When we look at a solar irradiance map of the world, it’s no wonder all eyes are focused on the arid deserts of North Africa. The sun’s rays are intense and provide the optimal climate for utility scale concentrated solar power (CSP). As one of the first movers in the region, the German government is eager to collaborate with Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Algeria for European investment in electricity infrastructure and renewable energy generation.

According to Bloomberg News, representatives from both the German and Moroccan governments will meet this week in Rabat to spell out details of solar energy development in the North African country. Morocco is a strong contender to receive foreign funding for CSP as it already has an undersea electricity cable running to the European continent. Discussions of a water-desalination plant have also been proposed.

These negotiations follow the path laid by Berlin-based Desertec Foundation, an organization attempting to provide the EU-MENA (European Union, Middle East  & North African) region with clean and affordable electricity. Due to the geography of the area, CSP plays a huge role in Desertec’s development plans, which Bloomberg News reports at generating 15% of the EU’s electricity consumption by 2050. At GetSolar, we’ll be sure to keep our eyes on these talks and the development of CSP in Morocco, as well as Desertec’s involvement in helping the EU-MENA region obtain cleaner and more affordable power in the long run.