Concentrated solar power in the world’s deserts

Concentrating solar power is a proven technology that could supply enough electricity to power the whole of Europe

Concentrating solar power (CSP) involves using arrays of mirrors to focus large amounts of sunlight onto a small area. This creates extremely high levels of heat, which can be converted into electricity using a steam turbine or Stirling engine – or stored in tanks of molten salt to provide power at night or on cloudy days. The mirrors can be parabolic troughs or giant dishes. Alternatively, a large number of sun-tracking flat mirrors can direct sunlight to the top of a so-called “power tower”.

Geopolitical issues with the Desertec scheme – such as North African control of European electricity – remain to be resolved, but there are no insurmountable technical barriers. CSP is a proven technology, with plants up and running in the US, Spain and other regions. Read more at www.guardian.co.uk