SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 26, 2011
Desertec is a multi-billion-dollar energy initiative that hopes to meet Europe's energy needs with solar power from the Sahara. The recent upheavals in North Africa have put the project in question. But many experts argue that the Arab Spring will actually help Desertec's grand vision become reality. By Alison Kilian more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- March 22, 2011
The new national energy plan unveiled by the German government last autumn is already obsolete in the wake of the Fukushima disaster. Berlin now faces the challenge of devising a new mix of fossil and renewable energy sources to prevent the worst effects of climate change. But how quickly can Germany dispense with nuclear power and what will the phase-out really cost? By Frank Dohmen, Alexander Jung and Christian Schwägerl more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- February 04, 2011
EU leaders meeting in Brussels are discussing the conditions for expanding Europe's internal electricity market. In an interview, European Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger of Germany discusses his vision for Europe and proposes what might be a surprising method for financing the ambitious project. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- January 05, 2011
Germany's dream of converting to renewable power generation requires the construction of unsightly new overland power lines carried by masts 80 meters tall. Citizens' groups and local authorities are resisting the projects in a campaign that poses risks for Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives. By Michael Fröhlingsdorf more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- May 27, 2010
Can the Sahara Desert really meet Europe's voracious appetite for energy? The Desertec solar power project aims to do just that, but a host of obstacles remain. Overly optimistic expectations are now being scaled down as the project starts to take shape. By Cordula Meyer more... [ Forum ]
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- December 03, 2009
Some say it's a foolish fantasy, others believe it has the potential to save the world from the effects of climate change. The German-led Desertec initiative to build massive solar thermal power plants in the Sahara Desert has both advocates and critics. SPIEGEL ONLINE looks at the current state of play. By Jens Lubbadeh more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- August 20, 2009
This week, two of Germany's most important solar energy projects came online -- the second biggest solar power project in the world and one of the first solar thermal "power towers." The projects are part of the country's plan to provide 20 percent of its energy through renewable sources. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- July 14, 2009
Two major power projects got the go-ahead this week: the biggest solar energy project in the world and a politically challenging gas pipeline. Commentators were cautious with their praise, pointing out various difficulties with the plans and calling for a European-wide energy initiative. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- July 13, 2009
The biggest solar energy project in the world is about to get off the drawing board. And leading German firm, Siemens, is just one of around a dozen organizations getting behind Desertec. SPIEGEL asked Siemens CEO Peter Löscher about his company's role in the project. more...
SPIEGEL ONLINE
- June 17, 2009
With the planned Desertec project, Europe wants to build a giant solar power plant to convert the endless sun in the Sahara Desert into CO2-free electricity. The mega project isn't without its critics, but most German commentators are welcoming Tuesday's announcement that the ambitious solar plans may soon move forward. more...
