Does the vision of supplying power for all of the European Union with energy created on another continent seem like a mirage? The Sahara Forest Project is an exciting collaboration between two continents that are using proven technology to do just that. Exploration Architecture, a leader in sustainable architecture, has an aggressive plan to put formerly useless land to very good use.

By using the hot Sahara sun, and concentrated solar power stations, (or CSP stations), below sea level, the project plans to divert seawater into large Seawater Greenhouses. There, sun and wind power desalinize the water and convert it to steam in the CSP stations. CSP is different from solar panels in the way that it utilizes large mirrors to concentrate the light and heat on to water pipes, superheating the water and creating steam. This steam is then used for powering turbines for generators. The process produces a surplus of distilled water which is used to wash the dust off of the large mirrors. Any waste water is then used for irrigation to create a sustainable oasis, transforming the inhospitable land into a lush ‘forest’.

The amount of potential energy is staggering, a small portion of the Sahara, 35,000 sq. mi. or 90,600 sq. km. (roughly the size of Portugal), would generate the equivalent electricity of all of the worlds power plants combined. The Sahara Forest Project could mean unlimited power potential for Europe, Africa and the planet.

• Working with visionary clients to create sustainable architecture inspired by nature. 
• Organizatio n Type: For-Profit
• Website: http://www.exploration-architecture.com/
• Founder(s): Michael Pawlyn
• Founded: 2008
• Location: London, UK
• See complete company list here

Sources: exploration-architecture.com; time.com

Contributor Profile: Justine

Justine is passionate about curing social injustice and global environmental issues. She has traveled extensively in Central America and the Caribbean, and is especially interested in the emergence of the Ecotourism industry.
Twitter: @justine72

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