Massive grid-scale energy storage for next-generation concentrated solar power

The cost of renewable energy has significantly decreased in recent years, which marks the way towards a fully renewable and sustainable future. However, this energy transition is not possible without massive grid-scale energy storage technology since most of the renewable energies are highly variable. In areas with a high solar resource, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) …

A Comprehensive Comparison Of Photovoltaic (PV) And Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Technologies In Terms Of Efficiency, Cost, And Environmental Footprint

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 Future Is Bright for Turning Sunlight Into Sustainable Jet Fuel

The aviation sector has charted a course to decarbonize itself – and investors see opportunity. According to BNEF, startups with a focus on low-carbon aviation technology raised $4.6 billion in 2022, and another $1.21 billion was added to that tally in the first half of 2023. Among venture capital and private equity investments, sustainable aviation …

Study on the dynamic characteristics, control strategies and load variation rates of the concentrated solar power plant

As more and more wind power and photovoltaic power are connected to the electrical power system, it brings great challenges to the stability of power grid. Concentrated solar power (CSP) plant with thermal energy storage (TES) can undertake the task of load regulation and frequency regulation in power grid by balancing the electricity demand and …

US releases rule ensuring only green hydrogen gets $3/kg tax credit

The US government has finally unveiled its long-awaited proposed rules on clean hydrogen production, determining the criteria that developers will have to meet in order to qualify for the hydrogen tax credit of up to $3 per kilogram. The proposed guidelines closely match the draft version that was leaked to the press earlier this month, …

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 …

Pros and Cons of Concentrated Solar Power

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 …

Optimal design of a concentrated solar power plant with a thermal energy storage

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 …

Fraunhofer IEE Institute aims to explore the potential production of green hydrogen from concentrated solar power in Chile

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 …

EU looks to free itself from Russian energy using world’s largest concentrated solar power plant: ‘Reliability is key’

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has accelerated attempts by European nations to move away from energy typically sourced from the largest country in the world. Oil, gas, and coal have been exported from Russia in vast quantities for years, but alternatives are now being sought to meet national energy demands without having to import from a …