The idea of using deserts as a venue for energy harnessing technologies has long been thought of. The Sahara Forest Project is a solid plan to make that idea a reality. The brainchild of three entrepreneurs, the Sahara Forest Project plans to bring concentrated solar power and seawater greenhouse technologies into the Sahara Desert. According to Inhabitat, if ever realized, the finished project could provide enough energy to power all of Africa AND Europe.

The once bare and unused desert lands could provide people not only with renewable energy but also fresh water and even food (using the energy and fresh water produced). A seawater greenhouse is a low cost solution to convert sea water into fresh drinking water using solar energy. Concentrated solar power, on the other hand, is a system comprised of a tower and thousands of mirrors that concentrate the sun's energy to heat water and produce steam to turn a turbine. The Sahara Forest Project is expected to cost around $113 million for 20 hectares.