Could the Sahara power all of Europe?

Anthony Patt of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria says solar panels in a fraction of the Sahara desert could supply all of Europe's energy needs, according to a Times Online report.

Patt told scientists at a climate change conference in Copenhagen that falling costs and advances like improved high voltage direct current cables have brought down the cost of electricity transmition by three-quarters.

Sun and wind power potential on the North African coast may help Europe meet its 2020 target of using 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources. Patt’s calculations show a £50 billion ($63.9 billion) investment by governments over the next ten years could make Saharan solar power viable for private investors. Plans for concentrated solar power trials are being set for Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Dubai.

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