Atlantic trade winds blowing from Morocco to Senegal represent some of the planet's largest wind resources. Although very predictable, their intermittent nature undermines optimal utilization possibilities. As a result, only a marginal proportion of that wind energy is fed into North Africa’s weaker grid infrastructure. Reduced clean energy generation prospects, hampers industry and economic development.
The latter will be essential for tackling the region's demographic challenges. Compounded to youth unemployment, sub-Saharan migrant population fluxes moving north are indeed generating an economic development imperative. Accessible and affordable energy made possible through an inclusive wind industry could be a game changer.
Sahara Wind’s applied research projects enabled North African scientific communities to envision a more holistic, integrated approach to energy infrastructures. Ready-made solutions driven by external market forces have done very little in terms of local development.