Written By: Faith Jemosop
The Sahara Desert, with its vast sun-drenched expanse, could be Africa’s golden ticket to solving its chronic energy shortfalls. As the demand for clean energy surges, experts argue that harnessing solar power from the Sahara could supply not only Africa but also parts of Europe with renewable electricity. But how feasible is this dream and what’s standing in the way?
Unlimited Solar Potential in the World’s Largest Hot Desert
The Sahara Desert receives over 4,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest places on Earth. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), just a small portion around 1.2% of the desert could generate enough solar energy to power the entire continent. In theory, solar farms in the Sahara could produce over 7,000 times Africa’s current energy consumption.
This immense potential has led to major interest from governments, energy companies, and international organizations. Projects like Desertec, launched in 2009, aimed to create a network of solar and wind farms in the Sahara to supply electricity to both Africa and Europe. While Desertec faced financial and political hurdles, the concept sparked interest in tapping the Sahara as a solar powerhouse.
Africa’s Energy Deficit: The Problem Solar Could Solve
Africa is home to more than 600 million people without access to electricity, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The energy crisis affects economic growth, healthcare, education, and food security. As the population grows, the pressure on aging and inadequate infrastructure mounts. Solar energy offers a decentralized, sustainable solution.
Also read: What 100 MW of Solar Power Really Means for Zambia’s Grid and Homes
Unlike hydropower, which depends on rainfall and river systems, or fossil fuels that are expensive and environmentally damaging, solar power in the Sahara could be both abundant and clean. Grid-connected solar farms in the desert could feed national grids or be used in mini-grid and off-grid systems for rural electrification.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Harnessing solar energy from the Sahara could dramatically reduce Africa’s dependence on fossil fuels and imports. In regions with high electricity costs, like parts of West and East Africa, solar power can cut energy bills by 30–50% over time. Large-scale solar deployment also opens up thousands of job opportunities in construction, maintenance, and technology development.
Sahara-based solar farms could help mitigate climate change, reducing CO₂ emissions from diesel generators and coal plants. According to a 2021 World Bank study, transitioning to clean energy could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% in some African nations by 2040.
Technological Feasibility: Is It Possible?
Recent technological advancements have made it more feasible to install and operate solar farms in harsh desert environments. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Photovoltaic (PV) technologies can withstand extreme heat and sandstorms with the right materials and maintenance.
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission lines can transport solar electricity over long distances with minimal loss. This could allow electricity generated in the Sahara to be transmitted to urban centers or even exported to Europe.
Also read: Why Africa Isn’t Harnessing Its Desert Sunlight for Electricity And What It’s Costing the Continent
Building such infrastructure requires massive upfront investment, stable regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation.
Barriers to Realization
Despite the potential, several obstacles stand in the way:
- High Initial Costs: Establishing large solar farms and transmission lines in remote desert areas is capital-intensive.
- Political Instability: Many parts of the Sahara lie in politically unstable or conflict-prone regions, making long-term projects risky.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Poor road networks, inadequate grids, and lack of water for cooling CSP systems are significant challenges.
- Environmental Concerns: Large-scale development in the desert could disrupt fragile ecosystems and biodiversity if not carefully managed.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Transcontinental energy trade, like exporting power to Europe, can become entangled in politics.
Ongoing and Promising Projects
Some African countries have already taken steps to harness desert solar power:
- Morocco’s Noor Complex: Located at the edge of the Sahara in Ouarzazate, it is one of the world’s largest solar plants, with a capacity of over 580 MW. It supplies power to more than a million people and serves as a model for other African nations.
- Egypt’s Benban Solar Park: Though not in the Sahara proper, it leverages desert land for solar generation. It’s Africa’s largest solar installation with a capacity of 1.8 GW.
- Algeria’s Mega Plan: Algeria has announced plans to develop 22 GW of solar energy by 2030, much of it in desert regions.
The Role of International Partnerships
Global partnerships can help accelerate Sahara solar projects. European countries facing energy shortages and climate mandates may invest in African solar. Multilateral banks like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank are already funding solar expansion in the region.
In fact, Africa50, an infrastructure investment platform, is backing projects that integrate renewable energy with cross-border transmission. Public-private partnerships and regional power pools, such as the West African Power Pool (WAPP), can also help integrate solar energy from deserts into national and regional grids.
