Western Sahara energise energy solutions

Can solar power be harnessed in the Sahara?

For perspective, the sun delivers an mind-blowing 173,000 terawatts (TW) of solar energy to Earth continuously, more than 10,000 times the world’s current energy consumption. A study published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews explores the feasibility of harnessing solar power from the Sahara.

Is Morocco dependent on Western Sahara for its energy supply?

But these developments have made Morocco partly dependent on Western Sahara for its energy supply. Morocco already gets 18% of its installed wind capacity and 15% of its solar from the occupied territory, and by 2030 that could increase to almost half of its wind and up to a third of its solar.

How much solar power does the Sahara receive a year?

The vast Sahara receives about 2,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar irradiance per square metre annually, making it one of the sunniest regions on the planet. Covering just 1.2 per cent of the Sahara with solar panels could generate enough electricity to power the entire world.

Is energy poverty governance rethinking in Sub-sahara Africa?

Gregory and Sovacool 17 proposed the rethink of the governance of energy poverty in Sub-Sahara Africa. In their study 17, they reviewed three academic perspectives on electricity infrastructure investment.

Is Western Sahara a 'question of decolonisation'?

Western Sahara is the only African territory remaining on the list. It’s also the only territory where the administering power column is left blank – a footnote explains the UN considers it a “question of decolonisation which remained to be completed by the people of Western Sahara”.

Could a greener Sahara have a bigger global effect?

Some important processes are still missing from our model, such as dust blown from large deserts. Saharan dust, carried on the wind, is a vital for the Amazon and the Atlantic Ocean. So a greener Sahara could have an even bigger global effect than our simulations suggested.