Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The Desertec Foundation was founded in 2008 and is based in Berlin. Its main
purpose is to coordinate the Desertec network, to establish new alliances and create
a greater awareness of the whole program.
28
At the moment, the Desertec network
is widespread, involving almost every region of the world.
29
The main aim of the
Desertec Foundation is to encourage research into new energy solutions and to
work as a mediator for interested commercial organizations, governments and
NGOs.
30
1.1.1.1.2 Organization and Intentions of Dii
Dii on the other hand is an independent company established as a German limited
liability company according to the German limited liability company act in 2009.
31
Dii was founded as part of an initiative between the Desertec Foundation and
Munich Re (one of the biggest reinsurance companies in the world).
32
Furthermore,
a memorandum of understanding was signed in Munich by the Desertec Foundation
and 12 different companies.
33
The number of shareholders is not limited to the
current amount as it is envisaged that Dii will incorporate companies from all over
the MENA region.
34
Dii has since grown from its original 12-44 shareholders and
partners, encompassing partners from all over the world with different specifica-
tions.
35
Over the past 2 years, Dii has faced several problems with major partners
leaving,
36
but has also managed to win the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC)
as a new partner.
37
Due to disagreements between the Desertec Foundation and Dii,
the Foundation pulled out as a shareholder of Dii in 2013.
38
The Desertec Founda-
tion based this decision on irreconcilable differences concerning future alignments
of Dii.
39
Overall, Dii was unsuccessful and its failure was announced in late 2014.
40
Nevertheless, the idea behind Dii remains valid for possible investment in North
African solar power. A financially powerful and highly experienced investor is
28
Desertec Foundation (
2009b
).
29
Desertec Foundation (
2014a
).
30
Desertec Foundation (
2009a
).
31
Desertec Industries (
2010a
).
32
Deutsch and Hobohm (
2010
), 54 (54); Werenfels and Westphal (
2010
), 1 (7).
33
Dii founding companies: ABB, Abengoa Solar, Cevital, DESERTEC Foundation, Deutsche
Bank, E.ON, HSH Nordbank, MAN Solar Millennium, Munich Re, M+W Zander, RWE,
SCHOTT Solar and Siemens, in: Desertec Industries (
2014
).
34
An amount of 25 companies is targeted: Werenfels and Westphal (
2010
), 1 (8).
35
Desertec Industries (
2014
).
36
FAZ.Net (
2014b
,
c
).
37
Wetzel (
2013
).
38
Desertec Foundation (
2013
).
39
Desertec Foundation (
2013
).
40
FAZ.Net (
2014d
).
