First Solar joins desert renewable energy project

Wed Mar 17 2010, 10:54 AM

First Solar is joining the Desertec Industrial Initiative (DII) as an associated partner for an initial period of three years. The DII was set up last year to develop a network of wind and solar energy installations in the deserts of North Africa by 2050 to supply electricity to Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa. The Arizona-based thin-film solar firm will contribute expertise in utility-scale photovoltaic projects.

Other companies in the group include ABB, E.ON, Siemens, Deutsche Bank, MAN Solar Millennium, Munich Re and RWE.