The proposal is to repeat the political situation that exists with OPEC and oil with renewable solar and wind. Locate the power in the exact same area that has all of the political unrest and instability now.
The square labeled “TRANS-CSP Mix EUMENA 2050” indicates the surface needed for solar collectors to realize DESERTEC in EU-MENA (according to the TRANS-CSP scenario by German Aerospace Center DLR). This way the needs for seawater desalination and about two-thirds of the rising electricity consumption in the MENA region could be provided and about 17 percent of the European electricity consumption in 2050 (2,940 TWh/a, 120×120 km² in total).
The current proposal is to generate about 12% more power than is currently generated from nuclear power by developing solar and wind for 400 billion euros if it goes according the plan by 2050.
The detailed financial and technical proposal is due in 2012. So currently it is a back of napkin proposal and they hope to progress to vaporware in 2012, all for a bad idea for Europe to fund a solar and wind OPEC by 2050.
Currently there is the Libyan war of 2011
There is unrest and violence in Algeria
Wikipedia on the Middle East and North Africa protests
If you liked this article, please give it a quick review on ycombinator or StumbleUpon. Thanks
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.