The Sahara's Water Revolution: Solar Machines in Action

How Solar Powered Machines are Making Free Water in the Sahara Desert

The Sahara desert is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of less than 25 mm and a surface temperature that can reach 50°C. It covers about 9 million square kilometers, or 10% of the African continent, and is home to about 2.5 million people who face severe water scarcity and food insecurity. The desert is also expanding southward at a rate of 48 km per year, threatening the livelihoods of millions more in the Sahel region.

However, the Sahara desert also has a huge potential for renewable energy production, especially solar and wind power. The desert receives more than 4,000 kWh of solar radiation per square meter per year, which is about twice as much as in Europe or North America. The desert also has strong and consistent winds that can power turbines to generate electricity.

[paulinemasters]

Your report is so interesting and informative. Even with the drawbacks you mention, if these machines can mitigate the water problems in desert areas, they could be of great benefit for living and agriculture. I hope further developments will be made in the future. thanks.

[andrewbrass]

Hi, iteresting.

It's all in the numbers though.

How much does it cost, both absolute and dollars per gallon of water delivered?
How much water can it actually deliver in real conditions?
How long does it last before it needs maintenance?

Thanks, A.