Exploring the Potential of a Global Energy Grid
The BDEW, representing over 2,000 companies, delves into pivotal topics within the energy and water sectors. From natural gas and electricity to heating, water, and wastewater management, the organization is committed to shaping industry positions, finding solutions, and providing comprehensive data and graphics that inform stakeholders about energy and water management trends. A particularly intriguing concept currently gaining traction is the idea of transmitting renewable energy across continents, such as sending electricity from Morocco to Germany or from Australia to Singapore. This notion prompts the question: is this vision a mere fantasy, or is it on the verge of becoming a reality?
While debates arise over local wind farms, why not consider generating renewable energy in regions abundant with natural resources and directing it to where it is needed most? Studies conducted in the 2000s projected that solar power plants in North Africa could meet approximately 15 percent of Europe's energy demand by 2050. Although the ambitious Desertec project ultimately faltered, similar initiatives are now capturing the attention of investors. The significant drop in photovoltaic prices over recent years, coupled with the adoption of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology for long-distance power transmission, has reignited interest in these megaprojects. Compared to alternating current systems, HVDC results in lower transmission losses, making it an attractive option for these ambitious projects.
Innovative Projects and Their Challenges
As the world shifts towards climate neutrality, innovative projects are emerging. The construction of a revolutionary city in the Saudi Arabian desert, known as The Line, is one such endeavor. Additionally, the 'Nato-L' megaproject aims to transmit electricity generated from hydropower and wind in Quebec, Canada, to the United Kingdom, while also allowing for renewable energy from Europe to flow in the opposite direction during surplus periods. This cross-time zone transmission could help balance supply and demand more effectively. Meanwhile, the 'Australia-Asia Power Link' project proposes a 4,300 km undersea cable to transport solar energy from Northern Australia to Singapore.
North Africa remains a key player in the renewable energy landscape, with four significant megaprojects in the early stages aimed at exporting green electricity to Europe. One of these initiatives, Sila Atlantik, seeks to connect Morocco with Germany. This project plans to install photovoltaic systems and wind turbines in Morocco with a total output of 15 gigawatts. Converter stations will convert the generated electricity into direct current, which will then be transmitted via a 4,800 km undersea cable capable of handling 1.8 gigawatts per strand. Remarkably, this HVDC cable is set to become the longest underwater electricity cable in the world. According to a Handelsblatt report, the construction costs alone for this cable are estimated at €14.5 billion, with a requirement for continuous monitoring to ensure safety.
Each year, Sila Atlantik aims to deliver around 26 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity to Germany, which would account for approximately five percent of the country’s annual energy requirements. The technological feasibility of such projects is already demonstrated by existing connections like NordLink and NorNed, which link Norway with Germany and the Netherlands. The technology works, and the German government has actively supported Sila Atlantik, with energy companies like Eon expressing interest as potential investors. However, the project faces numerous hurdles, including the need for approvals from the countries whose maritime territories the cable will traverse.
The European interconnected grid began to take shape in the 1950s, and connecting power grids makes fundamental sense. As Professor Martin Wolter from the Technical University of Dresden states, "The larger we make this network, the more stable and resilient it becomes, but I need to rely on my partners." The current geopolitical climate underscores the importance of having reliable partners, as disruptions in the grid can affect all participants involved. Consequently, political uncertainties are viewed as a significant obstacle, as nations become hesitant to rely on one another.
From an economic standpoint, the advantages of a global network are also under scrutiny. A study published in 2024 by Swedish researchers indicates that a global electricity grid could reduce system costs by a maximum of 6.5 percent, while regional grid expansions prove to be three times more effective. Connecting 18 time zones could potentially diminish investments in solar energy due to high transmission costs offsetting the benefits. This study aligns with the vision of a Global Super Grid, which aims to connect six major regions from Australia to the USA, an idea championed by the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative.
Despite the challenges, individual projects like those mentioned earlier may still provide substantial benefits. The realization of such ambitious initiatives will unfold in the coming years, but a comprehensive global network seems unlikely in the near future. However, isolated international power highways could play a vital role in the energy transition.
As reported by bdew.de.
