Solar Geography
In the renewable energy domain, solar energy has always occupied an important position. Contrary to common opinion, the quantity of solar energy that strikes the surface of the earthis very high and at noon it can reach more than 1 GW/km2.
The sun sends to the earth 10’000 times the world’s energy consumption and by using just 1% of arid and semi arid regions it would theoretically be possible to satisfy the world’s energy requirements. The most interesting regions for a power plant installation are:
• Desert areas of North and South Africa
• Mediterranean areas
• Arabic peninsula and the Middle East
• Some areas of India
• Australia
• Andean plateau
• North – East of Brazil
• Mexico
• South-West of USA
With regards to Europe, the Mediterranean region together with North Africa represent a real solar mine. North Africa alone would be able to satisfy the world energy demand.