It's strange to see an advocate of renewable energy going against an initiative such as Desertec. It might be true that the same amount of renewable energy (likely wind in that case) can be erected in the EU at the same cost - and in that case it will probably happen. The Desertec initiative does not exclude other investments, rather it might spur interest in renewable power. Desertec is based on long term visions, and in the long term solar power from deserts are probably a neccessity. The goal must be to reach way beyond 15% renewable power in EU, right? It is true that small scale solar and wind is attractive for self-sufficiency, but either a back-up power supply or huge amounts of storage is needed to use them. CSP with thermal storage is today one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to have a supply of renewable power that can follow demand. CSP from deserts and long range transmission, thus, does not counteract other renewable power investments, but rather will be the crucial factor for large investments in other renewables!