Posted By: GerryWolff @ 01/07/2008 4:07:13 AM

Comment: The rather negative tone of your article about solar power from deserts ("The solar sands?", 2007-12-24) is not justified by the facts. The proposals outlined in the article have been the subject of intensive study by researchers at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and cannot be dismissed as "half-baked green ideas". Indeed, a rather similar plan for the US has been published recently in the Scientific American ("A solar grand plan", SA January 2008).


Using the simple, proven technology of concentrating solar power (CSP), less than 1% of the world's hot deserts could generate as much electricity as the world currently uses. With the use of highly-efficient 'HVDC' transmission lines, it is feasible and economic to transmit solar electricity for 3000 km or more. 90% of the world's population lives within 2700 km of a hot desert.


Relevant reports from the DLR may be downloaded via links from www.trec-uk.org.uk/reports.htm . Further information may be found at www.desertec.org and www.trec-uk.org.uk .