Focus point: Economics - Solar Power Stations in North Africa and an Energy Partnership with Europe : Several Comments from an Economic Perspective

Abstract

It seems that the use of renewable energy sources, even on a larger scale, is an obvious energy alternative, given massive price increases for fossil fuels and the discussion surrounding greenhouse gas induced climatechange. One component of this could involve the construction of large thermal solar power stations in North Africa. The electricity would be transported using a high voltage direct current technology that has been in usefor over 50 years and that loses little energy along the way. This idea is also pursued in the framework of the recently founded Union for the Mediterranean where it is called A Solar Plan for the Mediterranean . At whichcosts could solar thermal power be generated in Africa and which economic incentives could be offered for investment in solar power stations?