Solar electricity imports from the Middle East and North Africa to Europe

摘要: Abstract The huge solar resources in the MENA countries (Middle East and North Africa), significant improvements concentrating power (CSP) technology transmission technologies, urgent need to remove carbon emissions from European (EU) energy system lead an increased interest EU-MENA electricity grid interconnection. As contribution current discussions about DESERTEC, MedGrid other initiatives this article describes approach results of analysis possible import corridors Europe including Turkey. study is based on potentials identified by remote sensing, reviewed performance cost data generation geographic information systems (GIS) for spatial analysis. CSP plants combined with high temperature heat storage voltage direct (HVDC) overhead lines sea cables represent key technologies implementing promising option renewable import/export. total technical potential sensing seven considered was calculated 538,000 TWh/yr. This implies that less than 0.2% land suitable would be enough supply 15% demand expected year 2050. A GIS future HVDC led description characterization 33 routes main centers demand.