Shadow cast over big solar project (“Arab Spring” may slow Desertec)

Shadow cast over big solar project

Florian Neuhof The Arab Spring has been well received around the world, not least in Europe. Ties across the Mediterranean have historically been close, and events on either side of the sea will be noticed on the other.

This will increasingly be so if one player in the energy sector has its way. Desertec, an initiative backed by a plethora of companies including Deutsche Bank and Munich Re is hoping to bring to life a renewable-energy sector in North Africa big enough to supply the local market and customers in Europe. The list of Desertec backers reflects Germany's role as a leader in solar-energy development.

But progress in establishing democratic societies in the Arab world might slow the implementation of the concept, which already has its doubters because of its scale and an apparent lack of details.

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The connection between Europe and North Africa has already been established, as Morocco is linked with Spain by a transmission cable spanning the Strait of Gibraltar.

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