It is in a regional context of forced trade liberalisation as well as a scramble for influence and energy resources that we should understand such mega-projects. These projects are mainly designed (usually by Europeans themselves) to satisfy Europe's need for diversifying energy sources away from Russia as well as contributing to its carbon reduction targets. And what better region to achieve these aims than North Africa and West Asia (NAWA): an area well endowed with natural resources, from fossil fuels to sun and wind?

archived:
"The article goes on to quote thinly veiled scepticism about the TuNur project... from Desertec." 2013
Best Idea Since Jesus on a Stick with Wheels: DESERTEC is back in the news. et seq. 2017

Diversity is the key to economic and political evolution.