The World Bank is kicking off 2011 with indications that it will help fund a far-reaching expansion of renewable energy connections between the oil-rich eastern Arab states and poorer North African countries.
North Africa is already the planned site of the 400 billion euro Desertec Industrial Initiative, which involves dozens of international companies in an effort to develop clean energy in the region.
Under Desertec, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and even Ethiopia are appraising their domestic potential to produce electricity from solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources.
In 2050, it is hoped that Desertec will have developed brand new resources to power a North African economic expansion and simultaneously meet up to 20% of the European Union’s electricity needs.
Until now, the eastern side of the Mediterranean had been largely left out of Desertec plans, since countries along the Persian Gulf have large endowments of oil and natural gas. However, surging temperatures in recent years have driven Saudi Arabia and Egypt to research a $1.5 billion plan to connect their grids. The benefit to each nation would be a buffer in supply when peak demand hits, because Egypt and Saudi Arabia experience their peak demand levels of 3 to 4 GW at different times.
From Morocco in the West to Oman in the East, the Arab world spans five time zones.
If the World Bank decides to fund smart grid development from North Africa to the Indian Ocean, oil-rich states like Saudi Arabia will become unlikely allies in the quest for energy options that is driving development and investment around the globe.
North Africa is already the planned site of the 400 billion euro Desertec Industrial Initiative, which involves dozens of international companies in an effort to develop clean energy in the region.
Under Desertec, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and even Ethiopia are appraising their domestic potential to produce electricity from solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources.
In 2050, it is hoped that Desertec will have developed brand new resources to power a North African economic expansion and simultaneously meet up to 20% of the European Union’s electricity needs.
Until now, the eastern side of the Mediterranean had been largely left out of Desertec plans, since countries along the Persian Gulf have large endowments of oil and natural gas. However, surging temperatures in recent years have driven Saudi Arabia and Egypt to research a $1.5 billion plan to connect their grids. The benefit to each nation would be a buffer in supply when peak demand hits, because Egypt and Saudi Arabia experience their peak demand levels of 3 to 4 GW at different times.
From Morocco in the West to Oman in the East, the Arab world spans five time zones.
If the World Bank decides to fund smart grid development from North Africa to the Indian Ocean, oil-rich states like Saudi Arabia will become unlikely allies in the quest for energy options that is driving development and investment around the globe.
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