Solar thermal power generation project support

What are solar-thermal technologies?

Solar-thermal technologies are technologies that provide reliable, around the clock power generation and offer a significant opportunity to upgrade and reduce emissions of industrial plants across the nation, according to U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

Can thermal energy storage systems be used for CSP plants?

Thermal energy storage systems for CSP plants have been investigated since the start of XXI century , . Solar power towers have the potential for storing much more heat than parabolic trough collectors .

How are power cycles used in CSP thermal energy plants?

Power cycles are used in CSP thermal energy plants to convert heat into electricity using sunlight to generate the heat to power a turbine. Collectors reflect and concentrate sunlight and redirect it to a receiver, where it is converted to heat and then used to generate electricity.

Why are solar thermal power plants important?

Since solar thermal power plants can feed their electricity into the power grid even after sunset, they are of particular value for an energy system based on renewable energy sources. Solar thermal power plants are of strategic importance in sunny countries to be able to phase out coal and gas power plants in the future.

Could a new solar-thermal processing plant reduce CSP costs?

SETO awardee, Hyperlight Energy, to launch a new solar-thermal processing plant at a Saputo Cheese production facility in California. A new metal composite for heat exchangers could improve energy conversion and cut costs in CSP plants.

Can solar thermal energy be a reliable component of industrial process heat supply?

An IEA working group, in which German research insti-tutions and industrial partners are playing a significant role, is addressing these challenges with the aim of making solar thermal energy a recognised and reliable component of indus-trial process heat supply (IEA 2020: Task 64).