The quest for sustainable and clean energy sources has propelled the development of various solar technologies to harness the abundant energy radiating from the sun. Among these technologies, Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems have emerged as promising solutions, each with its unique characteristics and applications. This column delves into a detailed comparison [...]
The boy who returns. The return of Concentrated Solar Power to guarantee green energy 24 hours a day
An old system is gaining popularity among researchers for its versatility and cost-effectiveness in providing clean fuel. Concentrated solar power (CSP), which had been nearly driven out of business by low-cost solar photovoltaics, is now making a comeback. Quantum learns that NTPC, the state-owned power generation company, recently sent out probes to several companies asking [...]
Along with photovoltaic solar energy and wind energy, there is another renewable technology that takes advantage of our main energy resource, the sun, to produce electricity: solar thermoelectric, thermosolar or concentrated solar power. Its operating principle is based on the use of mirrors that concentrate the sun’s radiation to obtain steam, which is then directed [...]
In this work, a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant with a thermal energy storage system to produce 120 megawatts of electrical energy was designed using Thermoflex. As non-renewable resources are limited, to move towards sustainable development, the importance of developing alternative technologies such as optimized solar power generation systems becomes considerable. To eliminate the gap [...]
A research project conducted by Germany’s Fraunhofer IEE Institute and partners aims to explore the potential production of green hydrogen from concentrated solar power (CSP) in Chile and pave the way for the development of large-scale production facilities in the Latin American country. Concentrated solar power system in northern Chile. Image by Frank Dinter, Fraunhofer [...]
In the Atacama Desert, the driest in the world located in northern Chile, the only Concentrated Solar Power tower in Latin America operates, a symbol of an energy revolution in the making against climate change. Aerial view of Cerro Dominador, the first concentrated solar power plant in Latin America, in Antofagasta, Chile. The imposing 240-meter [...]
Norway’s Heatcube began life in a quest to replace wood-fired heat used in the tea industry in rural Africa. “The idea was to try to bring cheap heat to Africa,” explained Kyotogroup’s Tim de Haas. “The challenge was that farmers were using a good portion of their land to cultivate forests to grow enough wood [...]
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised field visits for 217 participants in COP28 to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Most of the visitors were from outside the UAE. The visits, which were organised during COP28, included the Innovation Centre and the 4th phase of the solar park. The guests praised the [...]
When thinking about renewable energy, most people conjure visions of solar panels on rooftops or elegant white wind turbines, few imagine the humble greenhouse. And yet, a greenhouse with a twist is key to a groundbreaking solution in bringing net-zero to the tough-to-disrupt industrial heat sector. Industrial heat is the world’s largest end-use of energy [...]
The U.S. Department of Energy has set a goal to make green hydrogen domestically at $1 per kilogram by 2030. Current costs range from $3 to $8 and none of it is being done at scale. Getting the cost of green hydrogen down is a serious concern for policymakers and industry alike. Most efforts are [...]