Sahara Wind Project: 5~10 GW HVDC Line

More than 200 GW of electric capacity are transmitted through High Voltage Direct Current transmission lines in 210 projects worldwide. Their main purpose is to transfer hydropower from remote sites to urban, industrial centers. In addition to large integrated wind projects in China (including the latest Changji-Guquan +1100 kV UHVDC of 12 GW over 3300km), HVDC technology transfers power from the Itaipu project in South America, the Pacific Intertie, and Hydro-Québec dams. The latter feeds the North Eastern United States from Canada's hydropower over a distance of three thousand kilometers (1900 miles). Considering these, the Sahara trade winds could power Sub-Saharan African States at record-low costs and feed any excess all the way to Europe's eastern borders.

Existing Ultra-High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) technology limit large power cumulative line and AC-DC-AC converting losses, to less than 10% over a distance of 3500 km.

Integrating Atlantic trade winds in regional electricity networks will also facilitate their access. By reinforcing African grid networks, the Sahara Wind project’s 5 GW HVDC transmission line enables excess wind energy to be delivered to both Sub-Saharan and European electricity markets. This alternative can generate record-low costs renewable electricity essential to support the region’s sustained economic development.

With a phased implementation and a threshold capacity of 400-500 MW submitted to international funding institutions in 2005, the Sahara Wind project initial phases focus on building capacities through industrial synergies. Once deployed on a regional basis, the project’s sheer size enables significant economies of scales to be achieved.

In supporting the diversification of its energy supply through a regionally integrated project development framework based on efficient transformation of mineral resources, climate and energy security prospects can be effectively addressed. As main beneficiaries of this renewable power infrastructure, Africa can further Europe's energy transition most effectively.