LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- Dr. Gerhard Knies is the coordinator of TREC , the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation , a network of around 50 experts in renewable energies and sustainability . Gerhard Knies , co-founder and coordinator of TREC , a network that promotes renewable energies . When he retired from his research into particle physics in 2001 , Knies was concerned that the planet 's impending energy crisis was not being solved . `` I think it is insane to organize collective suicide and to participate in that , '' he told CNN . `` The fossil fuel system and our economy are doing that right now . We can not survive in this way . '' So rather than go fishing or head to the golf course , Knies decided to seek a solution . `` I thought , 'Are we so stupid ? I 'll see what options nature is giving us . ' '' So in 2003 , Knies co-founded TREC . The network , which has members from six European and ten Middle Eastern and North African countries , encourages countries to work together to harness the power of the sun to bring clean energy to the world -- and they think they 've found a way to do it . TREC says that we could meet the entire world 's energy needs by covering a fraction of the world 's deserts -- just 0.5 percent -- with concentrated solar power plants . It is now working with governments and businesses to make this dream a reality . Knies is hopeful that soon the world will embrace solar power as the leading source of energy . `` My guess is that solar energy will be 40 to 70 percent of the total energy consumption , 30 to 60 years from now , '' he said . As part of his mission , Knies sees solar power as a tool to help poorer countries in North Africa . `` They would develop a new source of income if they could sell clean electricity to Europe , '' he told CNN . `` For Europe this would be one of the cheapest sources of clean electricity . It 's a win-win situation between the two . '' And he does n't sound like a quiet retirement will tempt him away from TREC any time soon . `` I find it challenging and rewarding to work out ways into the future which are not harmful to us , '' he said . `` That 's why I 'm doing this and that 's why I 'm enjoying it . '' ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... What do you think of Gerhard Knies 's work ? Do you think we could power the Earth with solar energy ? Tell us in the forum -- or read others ' views on the future of energy . E-mail to a friend .
Gerhard Knies is the co-founder and coordinator of TREC . TREC promotes renewable energy in Europe , the Middle East and North Africa . Knies sees solar power as a source of income for poorer countries .