http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Fri, 24 May 2013 07:57:48 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 07:57:48 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/competitors-and-local-opposition-threatens-desertec-solar-plan-a-892332.html#ref=rss The ambitious Desertec plan to supply Europe with solar power from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East seems to have stalled. It could now be facing even greater problems as competitors arise and local opposition mounts. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:20:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/competitors-and-local-opposition-threatens-desertec-solar-plan-a-892332.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-desertec-solar-energy-project-has-run-into-trouble-a-867077.html#ref=rss As recently as three years ago, many thought that it was only a matter of time before solar thermal plants in North Africa supplied a significant portion of Europe's energy needs. But Desertec has hit a road block. Industrial backers are jumping ship, political will is tepid and a key pilot project has suddenly stalled. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/the-desertec-solar-energy-project-has-run-into-trouble-a-867077.html As recently as three years ago, many thought that it was only a matter of time before solar thermal plants in North Africa supplied a significant portion of Europe's energy needs. But Desertec has hit a road block. Industrial backers are jumping ship, political will is tepid and a key pilot project has suddenly stalled.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-desertec-co-founder-friedrich-fuehr-a-867088.html#ref=rss Desertec, the ambitious plan to supply Europe with vast amounts of solar power from North Africa, has lost its shine. Friedrich Führ, co-founder of the Desertec Foundation, spoke with SPIEGEL ONLINE about the project's missteps thus far, his disappointment in European politicians and why it is vital that the venture continues. Tue, 13 Nov 2012 18:29:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-desertec-co-founder-friedrich-fuehr-a-867088.html Desertec, the ambitious plan to supply Europe with vast amounts of solar power from North Africa, has lost its shine. Friedrich Führ, co-founder of the Desertec Foundation, spoke with SPIEGEL ONLINE about the project's missteps thus far, his disappointment in European politicians and why it is vital that the venture continues.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/desertec-and-democracy-arab-spring-boosts-dream-of-desert-power-a-764877.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 26 May 2011 15:59:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/desertec-and-democracy-arab-spring-boosts-dream-of-desert-power-a-764877.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-dirty-bridge-to-a-green-future-how-quickly-can-germany-abandon-nuclear-energy-a-752285.html#ref=rss 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? Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:40:28 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-dirty-bridge-to-a-green-future-how-quickly-can-germany-abandon-nuclear-energy-a-752285.html 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?]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/oettinger-on-the-energy-summit-eu-commissioner-wants-to-fund-super-grid-with-euro-bonds-a-743616.html#ref=rss 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. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:21:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/oettinger-on-the-energy-summit-eu-commissioner-wants-to-fund-super-grid-with-euro-bonds-a-743616.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/pitfalls-of-green-energy-revolution-public-resistance-grows-to-new-monster-power-masts-a-737653.html#ref=rss 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. Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:33:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/pitfalls-of-green-energy-revolution-public-resistance-grows-to-new-monster-power-masts-a-737653.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/developing-desertec-european-dream-of-desert-energy-takes-shape-a-695908.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 27 May 2010 13:36:58 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/developing-desertec-european-dream-of-desert-energy-takes-shape-a-695908.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/desertec-dreams-can-saharan-solar-power-save-europe-a-664842.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:21:46 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/desertec-dreams-can-saharan-solar-power-save-europe-a-664842.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/leaders-in-alternative-energy-germany-turns-on-world-s-biggest-solar-power-project-a-643961.html#ref=rss 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. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:46:13 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/leaders-in-alternative-energy-germany-turns-on-world-s-biggest-solar-power-project-a-643961.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/the-world-from-berlin-new-energy-projects-not-a-magic-bullet-a-636090.html#ref=rss 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. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:54:49 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/the-world-from-berlin-new-energy-projects-not-a-magic-bullet-a-636090.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/interview-with-siemens-ceo-on-the-desertec-project-on-the-brink-of-a-new-era-in-energy-a-635914.html#ref=rss 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. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:53:43 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/interview-with-siemens-ceo-on-the-desertec-project-on-the-brink-of-a-new-era-in-energy-a-635914.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-desertec-solar-project-an-encouraging-economic-sign-a-630948.html#ref=rss 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. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:04:35 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/the-world-from-berlin-desertec-solar-project-an-encouraging-economic-sign-a-630948.html 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.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/energy-from-north-africa-massive-european-solar-project-set-for-launch-a-630699.html#ref=rss A German-led consortium wants to fund an international solar-energy plan to the tune of €400 billion. The idea is to gather solar heat in North Africa and send the electricity to Europe. If it works, it would be the largest green-energy project in the world. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:23:26 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/energy-from-north-africa-massive-european-solar-project-set-for-launch-a-630699.html A German-led consortium wants to fund an international solar-energy plan to the tune of €400 billion. The idea is to gather solar heat in North Africa and send the electricity to Europe. If it works, it would be the largest green-energy project in the world.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/harnessing-the-saharan-sun-is-desert-solar-power-the-solution-to-europe-s-energy-crisis-a-550544.html#ref=rss A tiny fraction of the sun's energy that shines upon the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East could meet all of Europe's electricity demands. The technology to harness the energy already exists. So why is hardly anyone investing in it? Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:50:16 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/harnessing-the-saharan-sun-is-desert-solar-power-the-solution-to-europe-s-energy-crisis-a-550544.html A tiny fraction of the sun's energy that shines upon the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East could meet all of Europe's electricity demands. The technology to harness the energy already exists. So why is hardly anyone investing in it?]]>