MPs support desert power generation

MP Howard Stoate has put forward an Early Day Motion supporting the idea of constructing solar factories in North Africa to supply electricity to Europe.

North Africa receives about three times the solar energy of the UK. Solar factories tap into this energy using concentrated solar power (CSP) technology.

The DESERTEC concept, which uses CSP, has the potential to generate a substantial proportion of Europe's future electricity needs. Energy derived from desert based CSP plants in North Africa will be transmitted to Europe through a new high voltage direct current (HVDC) super-grid that would restrict transmission losses to just 3% per 1,000 km.

The EDM calls on the government to endorse the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Co-operation proposals formally and to work with its international partners to advance the concept.

So far 24 MPs having signed the EDM since it was set up on 24 June.

Stoate calls on people to write to their MP, asking them to sign EDM 1871 07-08.