Hypothesis and Research Questions for SEPA2010

SEPA2010 will pave the way towards an international research agenda in many non-technical disciplines dealing with Solar Power from deserts in Africa. The overall hypothesis for the conference will be as follows: On behalf of a substantial energy co-operation between African and European countries, economic political, social, geographical, historical and juridical aspects have to be carefully considered in an international, interdisciplinary framework in order to ensure a successful implementation.
Thus, an assortment of key questions will be discussed:

• To which extent do European and African stakeholder’s expectations diverge regarding the Desertec Industrial Initiative?
• How can different expectations be moderated and solved?
• How can the expected massive European direct investments be linked to development processes in African countries?
• What is the role of universities and how can they improve the cultural implementation of large scale solar power plants?
• Which steps have to be taken towards a Desertec Academic Initiative?