What is the Sahara Solution?

Image Credit: Wikipedia On a global scale, the “Sahara Solution” represents one of the most ambitious concepts for large-scale solar power generation. 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.

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.

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.

How much electricity would a CSP plant generate in the Sahara?

If a CSP plant covering 143,253 square kilometers (a square of 380 km on each side) were installed in the Sahara, it would generate approximately 23,398 TWh of electricity annually—enough to meet the world’s current electricity consumption.

Where is a concentrated solar power facility located?

A concentrated solar power facility in the desert in Dubai, UAE. Direct normal irradiation (DNI) is a key metric for evaluating the suitability of a site for CSP. The DNI in the Sahara averages between 2,500 and 2,800 kWh/m²/year, providing a consistent and high-energy output that makes the desert an ideal location for such projects.