Speaking at a debate, Banon highlighted the considerable potential of solar electricity to exploit in the Moroccan Sahara. It is "a region bathed in sunlight, has huge reserves of energy."

He also noted that in order to better make use of this potential, certain technical problems have to be solved. These include those related to sandstorms in this region.

He also explained that thorium power plants, which can produce electricity without fossil fuels, is of capital importance for Morocco, which would eventually free itself from any energy dependence.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the place of solar energy in the Sahara, citing the work of David McKay, physicist and British specialist in his master book "Sustainable Energy - Without the hot air", published in 2008.

This is a technology of immense potential, despite many technical difficulties, according to this book's author who emphasizes that North Africa and the Middle East have a considerable potential of solar electricity to exploit.