Comment Technological clarifications (Score 2) 363
- Raw silica (SiO2, approximately sand) can't be used to build solar cells. Converting silica into silicon (Si, the actual material used in solar cells) requires a high temperature (1900 C) reaction with a carbonaceous fuel like coal. Are they proposing to bring in a steady stream of fossil fuels (oil?) to the Sahara?
- Also, depending on the type of solar cell they are proposing, the crude silicon produced by the above process would have to be refined and possibly crystallized (also a high-temperature process).
- Finally, when talking about superconductors, "high-temperature" does not mean what we would consider hot (the Sahara, for instance), or even warm (e.g. room temp.), but rather "above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (77 K)". Feasible high-temp. superconductors would still have to be cooled to ~80 K with liquid nitrogen. What is their plan for producing/transporting a steady stream of liquid N2 in the desert?
Others have mentioned problems with transmission grids. Not saying it's impossible, just that there are real scientific and engineering issues. It's not just a matter of some yen and cooperation.
- Also, depending on the type of solar cell they are proposing, the crude silicon produced by the above process would have to be refined and possibly crystallized (also a high-temperature process).
- Finally, when talking about superconductors, "high-temperature" does not mean what we would consider hot (the Sahara, for instance), or even warm (e.g. room temp.), but rather "above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (77 K)". Feasible high-temp. superconductors would still have to be cooled to ~80 K with liquid nitrogen. What is their plan for producing/transporting a steady stream of liquid N2 in the desert?
Others have mentioned problems with transmission grids. Not saying it's impossible, just that there are real scientific and engineering issues. It's not just a matter of some yen and cooperation.
