Question for any energy experts out there

[chillspike]

Can someone explain to me how the proposed solar power plant in northern Africa will supply energy to Europe? I mean, how would that actually work?

http://www.economist.com/node/13982870?story_id=13982870

Specifically, how would these "trans-Mediterranean HVDC cables" transmit power over long distances and through water without significant losses?

I ask because I'm thinking if this can work, is it possible we could transport solar generated electricity from the sunlit sides of the earth to the dark and cloudy sides, as needed?

I'm sure there's a lot more involved in the process that i'm not aware of, though, and would like to hear some experts chime in.

But, if possible, couldn't this give us a 24/7 source of solar electricity because the sun is always shining somewhere on the earth, right?

Thanks