Abengoa Solar becomes founding member of the Desertec Initiative

14th July 2009

Abengoa Solar joins the DESERTEC Initiative

The project aims to develop renewable energy production in the desert regions of Northern Africa and the Middle East for both local use and for exportation to Europe. It is expected to meet 15 per cent of Europe’s energy needs and significant part of the demand in Northern Africa and the Middle East.

Over the course of the next few years, the companies and institutions comprising Desertec will develop a plan in conjunction with governments and other stakeholders to enable future construction of power plants based on solar energy and other renewable sources, in addition to the electrical power transmission needed to transport part of this electricity to Europe.

Santiago Seage, CEO of Abengoa Solar, said, ‘Northern Africa and the Middle East are undoubtedly areas with a tremendous solar energy potential, for both the region’s own use as well as exporting as soon as we have the necessary infrastructure and regulatory measures in place. This initiative should bring us closer to making this vision come true. Abengoa Solar is contributing its expertise in innovative solar technologies to this international group of partners.’

Al Gore previously hailed the Desertec  Initiative as an important step in overcoming the challenge of climate change.

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