This year's Christmas picture shows the TanDEM-X digital elevation model of the South Africa's Northern Cape region, where the Khi Solar One power plant is located (see enlarged TerraSAR-X image in the center). This solar tower power plant has been in operation since 2016, has a nominal output of 50 megawatts and covers an area of 60 hectares. Solar tower power plants play an important role in the energy transition. In line with the outcome of this year's UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai, the "beginning of the end" of the fossil fuel era was agreed. This was the first-ever COP resolution to address fossul fuels, a further milestone on the path to carbon neutrality.
Despite the challanges we have faced around the world this year, I wish you a satisfied reflection on the past, faith in tomorrow and hop for the future.
The DLR Microwaves and Radar Instittute wishes you Merry Christmas 2023 and above all a healthy, successful year 2024!
