Desert Energy A Guide to the Technology, Impacts and Opportunities

This book examines the key technologies being deployed in an effort to tap the potential presented by world's deserts for siting large-scale solar power applications, and surveys the feasibility of such projects given the remoteness and the hostility of these environments. Focusing on large scale photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal power, it explains how the systems work, projects that are being planned, the required scales, and the technical difficulties they need to overcome to function effectively. It then moves on to examine the economics of such projects (including financing) and the social and environmental effects they may have. Illustrated throughout by reference to built or planned projects, and written in a clear, jargon-free style, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the development of large scale solar applications.

Part1 1. Introduction 2. Technology 3. Energy from the Desert 4. Economic and Policy Aspects of Solar Power, and the Status of Regional Markets Part2 5. Existingand Planned Projects 6. Long-term Visions 7. Environmental, Health and Resource Issues Facing SolarTechnology 8. Conclusion

Alasdair Cameron is a UK-based writer and campaigner on environmental issues. He has written extensively on renewable energy and was formerly Assistant Editor of Renewable Energy World magazine. He currently lives in London.