The Solar Journey
Aside from the cycling challenge, the main aim of The SolarCycle Diaries is to promote a solar energy solution to climate change. Please read on to follow our solar journey.
In addition, if you are involved in a solar or renewable project and we are heading your way, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Europe
The SolarCycle team set off from London, England. The home of the ‘We Support Solar’ petition. This petition has been established to ask the UK government to provide a good ‘feed-in tariff’ for solar energy; financially encouraging individuals and companies to add clean energy to the national grid. In Germany, alongside the environmental benefits, a good feed-in tariff for solar power has enabled the country to become a leading player in the solar energy market and created employment.
State support for solar power means that “German solar technology turnover has risen within the last six years from around 450 million euros to some 4.9 billion euros.” - German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology German scientists and business leaders are also keen supporters of the ‘Desertec Concept’; to power Europe using sun from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. Munich Re. is leading a consortium to make this concept into a reality. An idea which has backing amongst politicians in all countries and the European Union (EU).
Under the Swedish presidency, combatting climate change has been put to the top of the EU agenda, EC President, Jose Barroso has made ‘de-carbonising’ european transport and grid a key part of his re-election mandate and Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, is propounding a ‘green agenda’ and a supporter of new smart electricity networks.
Support for solar and renewable energy is growing at pace. Job losses, energy insecurity and the successes of sustainable industries have helped to highlight the importance they play in a future Europe. Across the Union, renewable energy is being tried and tested. From Finnish wind farms to Spanish solar, it is being proven.
However, there is still a long way to go if we are to reach the 20-20-20 targets* set out by the European Commission and to ensure that we avoid climate disaster it would be precient to go much futher.
We hope that you will do what you can to encourage solar, renewable and climate initiatives in Europe. For details of how to support the Desertec Concept and We Support Solar campaign. Please click here.
*20% reduction in carbon emissions, 20% use of renewable energy and 20% increase in efficiency by 2020.
Africa
Despite the stupidity of cycling through the Sahara during the summer, we decided to do so against all rational sense in order to highlight the importance of solar in Africa.
In short, Africa does not have enough energy but it does have a lot of sun. The benefits that solar energy could therefore bring to the continent are huge.
“Power supply – or the lack of it – is by far Africa’s greatest infrastructure challenge, and on every indicator, the power sector lags behind other developing countries; the 48 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa generate roughly the same amount of power as Spain.” - World Bank
However, the need for investment is acute.
Joint projects - such as Desertec (building Concentrating Solar Power Stations in North Africa to help power Europe) - are beginning to emerge. But these need more support. Increasing investment in renewable energy will not only help to reduce poverty in Africa but to encourage the continent to develop sustainably.
We support all endeavours to use clean energy to alleviate both the African energy crisis and the poverty it engenders.
In particular our trip highlights the Desertec Concept and the charity SolarAid.
SolarAid trains rural communities in Africa to build and sell small solar devices, such as solar radios, solar lanterns or solar mobile phones. In areas with no power supply, these small scale projects can make a vital difference to living standards. Not only can they help provide lighting for hospitals and schools but can replace costly and environmentally damaging alternatives, such as kerosine. By training local people to make sustainable products, the charity also creates industry and employment.
The success of initial projects has been phenomenal and the initiative provides a fantastic example of the benefits green energy might provide to the continent on a larger scale.
We are hopeful that the problems of climate change, poverty and energy shortage can be answered by a renewable and solar solution in Africa.
If you would like to donate to SolarAid - all donations via our justgiving page go directly to the charity.
SOLAR FROM THE ROAD
Part I - The Power of the Deserts
Being in the Sahara for even a short while gives you a taste of its immense strength.
You are standing in a sea of sand. The air is hot. Very hot. The unrelenting sun is beating down. It will do so for several hours. There is no shade in which you can take respite. The landscape is barren. There are few shrubs or trees. When there is wind it gusts across the arid plains.
We are only skirting the fringes of the desert but - on the bikes - it still poses a series of challenges. This is not an environment you can afford to underestimate. We are only too aware of the energy of the sun’s rays, frighteningly sure of the winds potential and have experienced the difficulties the terrain induces. Sand storms. Lack of water. Lack of infrastructure. The sheer extremity of the conditions.
Fortunately, before we reached the desert we were able to visit the Solar Euromed project in Dijon, courtesy of Mark Benmarraze. There we recieved an overview of his project - bringing Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) to France - as well as an introduction to the potential CSP has in North Africa. He is a keen supporter of the Desertec Concept.
Put simply, the Desertec Concept aims to harness the solar energy from deserts to create power, not only for the surrounding areas, but for those further afield. In particular, using sunlight from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to power Europe.
The technology to do this is already available, ever improving and decreasing in price. Marc discussed the recent advances in long distance power cables - leading to only a small amount of energy loss in transmission. He also explained that there has been a lot of work done to increase the heat intensity of the mirrors which are used to concentrate sunlight. Solar Euromed have been analysing the cost benefits of complicated moving parabolic troughs (harder to create and maintain) or simpler, flat panels (capture slightly less sunlight but take less time/money to produce, are easier to build locally and don’t break or need cleaning each time there is a sand storm).
It was interesting to consider that the most cost and energy efficient system might not neccessarily be the most high tech. When your energy source is abundant and unceasing - you can afford to use a smaller fraction of it.
And abundant it is.
According to the Desertec website: “Within 6 hours deserts recieve more energy from the sun than humankind consumes within a year.”
After these last couple of salty, sweaty days - I certainly don’t doubt it!
Additionaly the Desertec concept incorporates other forms of renewable energy. Wind and tidal power sources can be readily integrated into a new grid network and can add to this clean energy solution.
Having been literally blown from the road twice I can certainly see why. Additionally following a rather ill-advised kayaking adventure in Tunis, the power of the tide has been brought home all too ubruptly as well.
We have therefore fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) seen first hand the incredible potential of these sustainable energy sources. We have been schooled in the current technologies which harness them and - since we have had to take the day off find out about a plague outbreak in Tobruk (of course) - have had chance to read that there is ever increasing support for the Desertec idea.
On 16th June Reuters reported that Munich Re., alongside several other global businesses are looking to invest around $560 billion into the project. Munich Re. have invited several companies to meet with them on the 13 July in order to begin discussions. Should you happen to be the CEO of a big company - now might be the very time to get in touch…
The Desertec concept not only works to alleviate the problems of energy and climate but also works to create greater international cohesion and better conditions within the countries in which solar stations are built.
As I type this we are in Libya. A country of which 95% is the Sahara desert. It has oil and - after many years outside of the international community - is increasing its contact with the Western world. However, despite the wealth that Libya has in terms of petroleum and sunlight, it lacks other resources. Importantly, water and fertile land.
In fact, so devoid of water is Libya that they have undertaken a project of monumental proportions to take the water from under the desert and transport it where it is required (days and days of cycling are proving just how collosal this nation - and project - truely are). What they have achieved is undeniably impressive. However, there are concerns as to the long term effects that this project will have on the water table. Disputes with neighbouring countries are also looming.
To some extent, the Desertec concept can help with issues such as these. The - very comprehensive - Technologies page on the Desertec site explains that: “As an interesting side effect (and of great benefit to local people), waste heat from the power-generation process may be used to desalinate seawater or to generate cooling.” It has also been suggested that the shaded area under the mirrors at each solar station could be used to create areas of arable land. Solar power stations would also bring employment opportunities, as would the local production of their component parts.
And water, food and employment in this area would be no bad thing.
Tunisia and Libya are fairly wealthy nations. As such, they are now nations which have problems with refugees.
We have seen workers from other African nations waiting at the roadsides, hoping for any type of job, passed boats being built to ship the destitute to a ‘brighter future’ in Europe and heard tales of those so desperate that their bodies are found in the dunes after they tried walking across the Sahara.
As recent economic events have shown, we now live in a joined up world. If one nation is affected by something it can have a knock on effect on many others.
My old employer, Lloyd’s, produced a fantastic ‘Climate Change and Security’ report just before we left the UK. I imagine that the risks that this details are much the same have prompted the reinsurer, Munich Re., to consider investment in the Desertec scheme.
Lloyd’s notes that: “Climate change is likely to produce destabilising waves of refugees, between nations in the developing world, and around the borders of the developed, western world. This latter phenomenon is already clearly visible on the southern borders of Europe, where migrants from Africa daily risk their lives in crowded and unseaworthy open boats to make the crossing from Senegal and Mauritania to Spain’s Canary Islands, or from Libya to the southernmost parts of Italy… Faced with the prospect of uncontrolled migration flows, countries in the developed world may need to consider funding large-scale adaptive measures, which would enable populations to remain where they were, including technology transfers and humanitarian large-scale food aid. In more extreme cases, where states collapse, interventions on a scale beyond anything previously attempted may be required.”
But though climate change is bringing increased risk to the insurance industry, the report also points out the opportunities that new energy and technology projects can bring: “There are considerable business opportunities for companies willing to invest in the development of energy-efficient technologies and alternative and renewable energy sources. The financial sector has a major part to play in providing investment capital for such developments.”
Whatever the incentives, that individuals, companies and governments are looking at these investment opportunities is great news. And we should do all we can to encourage them to turn this interest into concrete action.
So - if you happen to know anyone influential, then pass them the Desertec details. And / or if you want to lend your own support to the project you can do so via their ‘Your Voice’ page or however else you see fit.
Whichever way, we will be back soon with some more solar based observations from the road.
The Middle East
Egypt lies at the crossroads between Africa and the Middle East. The country is no stranger to renewable energy, with hydro electricity produced by the Aswan Dam (though this does have some negative environmental effects) and the capture of wind power at the Red Sea coast. The first solar power project in the country is also under construction at Kuraymat and we were lucky enough to recieve a tour of this facility. (See account below)
While at the Kuraymat station, Hisham, our kind host from Orascom Construction, discussed the potential for solar in the region. Once the Egyptian project is completed, Orascom hopes to use the equipment to create further facilities. Demand is increasing for such services.
Masdar in Abu Dhabi is set to be the world’s first renewably powered city. “200-230 megawatts of peak power will be needed to run the city-wide systems and 45% of this will come from solar photovoltaics.” - p. 124, The Solar Century. Supporting this oil rich part of the globe to make use of its renewable resource of sunlight could seriously reduce carbon emissions.
To supply the world with the huge amount of renewable energy required to curb carbon emissions enough to stop temperatures rising Scientists for Global Responsibility evaluate that the West needs to cut its carbon emissions by 90% over the next 40 years. This can not be done unless massive clean energy projects are undertaken.
Though Concentrating Solar Power and Photovoltaic stations in North Africa and the Middle East could feasibly produce and transport enough power to meet world demand, the areas of land required would be vast. The deserts in the region are easily large enough to support such projects but their scale would nevertheless be unprecidented. Solar plants as large as nation states would need to be built. International incentives and assistance will be needed to embark on such a collasal shift in our global energy supply.
For more details on the science behind Condensing Solar Power stations and long distance energy transmission, please see the Desertec website.
SOLAR FROM THE ROAD
Part II - Living on the Edge. And tipping over…
This report is currently being written.
China and Asia
Though China’s rapid growth means it is using fossil fuels at a devastating rate, it is worth remembering that its population uses only half the global average of energy per capita*. The country is also embarking on some ambitious renewable energy projects.
Recent government announcements in China indicate that, as well as exporting solar panels, there is a new focus on internal clean energy usage. Already solar cities such as Kunming have solar water heaters on every roof but now the nation is looking to add a big chuck of clean energy to the national grid. “The country, which revised its 2020 target for solar power capacity from 1.8 gW to 20 gW in its new energy stimulus plan, added 40 mW in new capacity last year.” - China.Org.Cn
Globally, renewable energy is still some way from reaching price parity with fossil fuels. However, incentives for adoption of clean technology - alongside a price on carbon emissions - could make all the difference. In Japan, subsidies to the solar market have encouraged Sharp to become the largest solar cell maker in the world. Much as they have been proven to boost markets and provide jobs in Germany.
Should international agreement at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December lead to a reduction in the cost of renewable energy, China, India and other Asian markets could capitalise on the opportunity to develop sustainably.
While in China, the SolarCycle team will be highlighting regional solar power initiatives and visit SunTech, the world’s largest producer of solar panels.
*China uses a massive amount of energy to create products consumed by the West. Its use of fossil fuels is, in large part, to supply external demand. It is also of interest to note that the Chinese ‘one child’ policy is perhaps the single most drastic climate change measure in existance. Explosive world population growth places ever more demands on our stretched resources.
The United States
At the end of November, the SolarCycle team will hit the U.S. As the world’s largest polluter, it is important that America takes a lead in reducing carbon emissions, something which may now be on the table with Obama’s, Green New Deal and state schemes such as the California Solar Initiative. This initiative is ‘aiming for 3 gigawatts of solar on buildings by 2017, and will deploy $3.1 billion in subsidies along the way.’ (p.143 -The SolarCentury). Such schemes will not only help to provide renewable energy to the US people but also create employment and provide energy security.
Following the oil embargo of 1973, US government support for solar led to the creation of Solar Electric Generating Stations (SEGS) I & II. These have now been working for 30 years.
Several new stations are now operating or under construction in Western states*, PV is being installed on roofs and hot water systems created. With enough government support, solar power in the US could begin to make up a large part of the energy mix.
As noted in a a recent National Geographic report, Can Solar Save US? Probably. Eventually. With lots of government help. ”Another option is for the federal government to invest directly in solar - for example, says Ken Zweibel of George Washington University, by funding the construction of giant solar plants in the deserts of the Southwest, along with the high-efficiency transmission lines needed to carry the power nationwide. In Zweibel’s version of the future, the sun would satidfy more than two-thirds of U.S. electricity needs by 2050, for an investment of about $400 billion. ‘Compared to what we just paid for the financial bailout, it’s pocket change’.”
*The SolarCycle journey will go past many of these sites. For an interesting article on many solar installations in the US, please see the National Geographic article: Plugging into the Sun.
The journey
Sadly, our journey will not take us to all corners of the globe but each nation has an important role to play; South American countries must steward the rainforests, pacific islanders fight for their homelands and everyone look after resources under the Antarctic.
We hope though, that we have been able to add to the ever growing movement towards climate solutions.
Please join us in petitioning governments to support such solutions in the run up to the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, December 09.
We would like to send our world leaders a simple message:
“There is time to stop catastrophic climate change - that time is now.
There are people who can stop catastrophic climate change - those people are you.
Please, do not fail us.”
