Characterisation of Solar Electricity Import Corridors from MENA to Europe

Abstract

The huge solar resources in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) countries, significant improvements in solar electricity generation and power transmission technologies, and the growing need for the decarbonisation of European electricity supply leads to increased interest in an EUMENA electricity grid interconnection. The objective of this analysis was to specify the long term potential and probable routes for solar electricity import from MENA countries to Europe, and to provide technical and cost data for electricity generation and power transmission options. Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants including high temperature heat storage and high voltage direct current (HVDC) lines for power transmission represent the key technologies for implementing this most promising option for the import of renewable energy to Europe.