1st Edition

Desert Energy A Guide to the Technology, Impacts and Opportunities

By Alasdair Cameron Copyright 2013
    192 Pages 1 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    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.

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

    Biography

    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.

    "The author has worked hard to present a valuable collection of facts and figures on different aspects of this energy including different systems’ efficiencies, water consumption, costs, benefits etc, which cannot be easily acquired" Iman Niknia in the International Journal of Environmental Studies