Build solar fields in the Sahara desert to power Europe

Europe has long wanted to gradually "use" fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources such as wind or the Sun. However, many places here still do not have natural conditions suitable for solar energy. Therefore, they are trying to build a solar field in the Sahara desert , Tunisia with the ability to generate 4.5 gigawatts of electricity, then return to Europe with an undersea cable system.

Picture 1 of Build solar fields in the Sahara desert to power Europe
Location to build solar fields.

This power source is expected to be supplied to countries such as Malta, Italy and France. The company behind the project, TuNur, is filing a petition to allow the Tunisian government to permit construction and if agreed, the field could be completed by 2020.

The Sahara's energy field will use mirrors to focus sunlight into the receivers in the middle. Inside these transducers contain molten salt, used to retain energy from the Sun in the form of heat. Scientists say this approach has the advantage that it will retain energy for a longer period of time, thereby helping to offset the fluctuations in clean energy in countries in Europe.

If successful, TuNur said it would help Tunisia build more solar systems for them. Currently the country is facing power shortages. Therefore, this project may be an opportunity for them to gain more income and experience to build solar power plants for the future.