Desertec and Human Development at the Local Level in the MENA-Region

Abstract

DESERTEC is one of the best-known projects aiming to use solar energy in a large scale for energy production. The core of DESERTEC is the construction of solar power plants in the MENA-Region (Middle East and Northern Africa) and the export of electric energy produced there to European countries. Being reviewed mainly in terms of technical aspects this study is looking at DESERTEC from a human-rights perspective and highlights the projects chances and risks for the local communities. Supporters claim that various problems could be influenced positively by DESERTEC: Water scarcity, energy scarcity, development of the MENA-region, energy security for Europe and climate protection on a global level. This study evaluates to what extend DESERTEC is able to secure a sustainable livelihood for the most vulnerable groups in local societies and which human rights are affected in the region by the massive expansion of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology. If the dimension of human development is not considered, DESERTEC risks generating massive negative outcomes for the vulnerable groups in the affected region. Therefore first recommendations are aiming to show which steps need to be undertaken to guarantee a sustainable livelihood and compliance with human rights for local communities. Only by taking account of these two dimensions DESERTEC can be a chance for the region and its most vulnerable groups.