Sahara desert project aims to power half the world by 2050

[^_^ 5,021]

The bigger problem is transmission losses.

This thread has gotten way ahead of itself, so let me paste a relevant excerpt (or two) from the original article. Note that at this time this is at the stage of demonstrating viability.

The initial aims of the research will be focused on tackling the expected challenges and demonstrating the project’s viability.

And here are some details on how they plan to do it.

The energy generated by the solar power plants will be distributed as direct current via high-temperature superconductors, a process that Koinuma said will be more efficient than using alternating current. He envisages a large network of supercooled high-voltage direct current grids capable of transporting the expected 100 GW of electricity at least 500 kilometers. Even if the grid needs to be cooled with liquid nitrogen, Koinuma said it could still be cost-competitive. (High-temperature superconductors operate at about -240°C.)

...

The team expects to have to overcome many problems, including frequent sandstorms, the need to use liquid nitrogen to cool cables and to bury them in the sand to minimize fluctuations in temperature, and so on.

[Boiler 45,913]

Half the world is not within 500km.

[^_^ 5,021]

Half the world is not within 500km.

Half the world will just have to move closer

[luckytxn 2,265]

So we pretty much will be still having to worry about this part of the world disrupting our energy supply. The supply is far from our country here in the states. The energy supply is easily disrupted by terrorists and not even to mention that us here in the states could even enjoy the energy made so why even care?

[^_^ 5,021]

So we pretty much will be still having to worry about this part of the world disrupting our energy supply. The supply is far from our country here in the states.

well then, on to plan B. we raze Texas and turn it into a solar plant.

Edited December 3, 2010 by \

[Ban Hammer 13,474]

well then, on to plan B. we raze Texas and turn it into a solar plant.

according to your map, arizona might be a better place. then let's see cali suck it when it comes to that economic embargo

[luckytxn 2,265]

well then, on to plan B. we raze Texas and turn it into a solar plant.

West Texas anyway. The eastern part pretty much makes or produces the stuff that allows the country to run now. Well maybe the western Texas crude that the industry uses as a benchmark but hey they can put a lot of solar panels around the crude derricks and pumps. The panhandle is starting to fill up with those huge wind turbines though.

[Boiler 45,913]

or invade Mexico.

[luckytxn 2,265]

or invade Mexico.

Wait until they kill as many of each other first.