My first post is on an article I found in Businessweek magazine online entitled "Sahara Solar Energy Could Power Europe Inc." by Carol Matlack,I have posted the link above. The article states that the Sahara desert receives twice as much sunshine as Europe (Matlack). Due to increasing pressures worldwide to commit to green initiatives and the European Union’s commitment to increase their renewable energy consumption, European countries have put in motion a project to use the solar power generated in the Sahara to power the European continent. They plan to use underwater powerlines that will stretch accross the Mediteranean Sea. According to the article over 31 large companies have invested in the project so far and many companies are vying for the construction contracts, including U.S. companies. The article goes into detail to describe the enormous size of the project saying it will, "be equal to 400 Solonas", North America's largest solar power plant (Matlack). While this all sounds fantastic there are some problems. The article states that there are some difficulties with so many parties involved as well as getting all the finances in order (Matlack).
I think that this initiative is a bold step in the right direction. For much too long we as a planet have squandered nonrenewable resources such as coal and natural gas. Even though “Going Green” has caught on we have seen few efforts that as proactive as the one described in this article. I think that this article effectively ties into what we have been talking about in class in regards to chapter two and Katz’s three skill approach. The creators of the this initiative displayed great use of conceptual skill to envision such unique solution to utilizing renewable energy to supplement Europe’s energy consumption. However, their major flaws lied in their technical and human skill as they have not been as successful in collaborating with all the major entities in the project as well as finding adequate funding.
-Sean Morton
We think that the European Union's solar project is a very solid idea. Yes, it will be expensive to place and run cables from Solar panels in the Sahara desert across the Mediterranean Sea, but, we think, the project will pay for itself in the years to come. As tourism increases there is an increasing demand for power all over Europe; especially in the Europe's major cities. We think these solar panels will help the European Union combat its increasing power needs well into the future.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a great idea! There isn't much that a desert can provide as far as support for living, so why not utilize the worst thing about being in a big open desert, the sun!
ReplyDeleteI do think that a lot of the issues that people that have these kinds of ideas have is that they usually do not have the human skills. They probably have technical skills, and obviously have conceptual skills, but maybe they need to look into hiring someone that can interact with the people that would be benefiting from and investing in the project.
Liz Higgins
Perhaps they aren't lacking the human or technical skills necessary for success. We have to remember that being a leader doesn't always mean one will succeed. Other environmental factors must be taken into account when determining the success or failure of an initiative. Perhaps the funding wasn't available due to economic obstacles or maybe collaboration failed due to the other parties involved.
ReplyDelete-Michael Condupa
I really like the idea of the European Union's projects to assemble solar power plants across North Africa and transporting electricity through underwater power lines. Although it is initially costly to build, these projects will ultimately result as a great contribution in helping protect our world’s environment. I strongly believe that one of the most important issues facing companies today surrounds environmental views when creating a business plan. It is positive to see that companies are acting environmentally responsible and striving to have a constructive impact on society. It is truly encouraging to find many companies investing in environmentally friendly projects. I hope that project implementation issues are resolved and full production of environmentally friendly technologies becomes a reality in the near future.
ReplyDelete-Adam Kalkirtz