Abstract:
Concentrating solar power:
a roadmap from research to market
Robert Pitz-Paal, Professor, Germany Aerospace Center, Köln
High temperature heat from concentrating collectors can be used to generate power in a conventional power cycle instead of - or in addition to - burning fossil fuel. The concept often referred to as Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is mostly suited for centralized power production in areas with high direct radiation levels. The inclusion of thermal energy storage allows for a very efficient, CO2-free, dispatchable power supply independent of the weather conditions.
First commercial plants with a total capacity of several hundred Megawatts were built in the late 1980ies in the Californian Mojave desert and have accumulated more than 15 TWh of solar electricity and 20 years of commercial operation experience. After a long break, new incentive schemes have induced the implementation of new plants in several countries in the beginning of this century. First commercial systems have been put into operation in Spain and the US during last year; further deployment of several GW is underway in other countries. The presentation will report on the state of the art of today’s solar power plants including the current cost level of solar electricity. In addition most relevant aspects for future cost reduction based on today’s research will be highlighted. Finally the potential impact that this technology may have world wide until 2050 is discussed. This also includes the option of electricity transport through high voltage DC lines, from high insolation countries in the Sun Belt to densely populated areas in the developed countries.