The Saharan desert is probably the most sun burnt place on the planet. For a ecologically minded person, it would also signify the immense wasted potential that is so typical of us humans. While we endlessly debate amongst ourselves whether or not to pollute our beautiful coasts by expensively drilling for a substance which will only cause more pollution ; here is a vast treasure ripe for our taking.

Scientists claimed yesterday it could one day generate enough solar energy to supply all of Europe with clean electricity. The scientists are calling for the creation of a series of huge solar farms - producing electricity either through photovoltaic cells, or by concentrating the suns heat to boil water and drive turbines - as part of a plan to share Europes renewable energy resources across the continent.

The only real problem is transporting the power from Africa to Europe. Current technology of AC current means vast quantities are lost in transmission. However DC may be the answer since in this case transmission losses are comparatively minimal.

Scientists argue that harnessing the Sahara would be particularly effective because the sunlight in this area is more intense: solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in northern Africa could generate up to three times the electricity compared with similar panels in northern Europe.

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