This is quite similar to the Desertec initiative. The difference is that the proposal is framed as a bi-lateral Anglo-Irish deal, which suits British mentalities, but reflects geographical realities too.

The deployment of solar in North Africa and the interconnects to Europe (to the whole of the Mediterranean, in theory) has to deal with similar historical legacy issues. The Arab Spring (including a transition to constitutional monarchy in Morocco) greatly increase the chances of it happening. If only Algeria could get its shit together.

_{It is rightly acknowledged that people of faith have no monopoly of virtue - Queen Elizabeth II}