The extraordinary resurgence of concentrated solar power
Aug 6, 2024
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This discussion dives into the fascinating world of concentrated solar power (CSP) and its remarkable resurgence. It highlights the efficiency of CSP in providing renewable electricity through heat storage that can last for months. Innovations like molten salt storage and supercritical carbon dioxide cycles show promise in overcoming traditional hurdles. The podcast also examines how CSP can support industrial decarbonization and seamlessly integrate with Small Modular Reactors for enhanced energy solutions, ultimately paving the way for a sustainable and low-carbon future.
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Quick takeaways
Recent advancements in CSP technology focus on Generation 3 systems that utilize higher temperature heat cycles to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
CSP's thermal storage capabilities allow for on-demand energy delivery, bridging seasonal energy storage gaps and ensuring grid stability.
CSP technology presents unique opportunities for industrial decarbonization by providing essential heat for processes like cement manufacturing and desalination.
Deep dives
The Role of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is a renewable energy technology that captures sunlight using mirrors to generate heat, which can then be used for electricity or other industrial applications. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity, CSP focuses on harnessing heat for power generation, enabling thermal storage capabilities. This storage allows energy to be used on demand, making it a flexible option for addressing energy needs. The discussion highlights the potential for CSP to provide heat for industrial processes and to support energy systems by forming 'thermal batteries' that can deliver energy when required.
Advancements in CSP Technology
Recent advancements in CSP technology focus on developing higher temperature heat cycles to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Next-generation CSP systems, known as Generation 3, utilize sand-like particles for heat transfer, aiming for temperatures above 700 degrees Celsius to enhance energy conversion. This development could potentially cut the cost of electricity generation in half, making CSP more competitive with fossil fuel technologies. The transition to new heat transfer materials also aims to solve previous technical challenges associated with earlier CSP generations.
Challenges in CSP Deployment
CSP has faced several challenges that have impeded its widespread deployment, primarily due to the current demand for energy storage systems capable of 12 hours or more. The market has largely favored PV systems combined with battery storage, making them the preferred choice until CSP technologies can demonstrate competitive advantages. Additionally, CSP tends to require a significant capital investment and involves complex project development, which creates barriers for new entrants in the market. These factors contribute to hesitance from investors and developers to commit to large-scale CSP projects.
CSP's Role in Industrial Decarbonization
CSP presents unique opportunities for industrial decarbonization by providing the necessary heat for various processes, such as cement manufacturing and desalination. The technology could help alleviate challenges faced by industries reliant on high-temperature heat sources while reducing their carbon footprint. A practical application of CSP is in thermal desalination, which offers a promising solution for water-scarce regions, eliminating the brine disposal issue associated with traditional methods. Moreover, CSP's potential for zero liquid discharge could improve sustainability efforts in areas needing reliable fresh water.
Integrating CSP with Other Technologies
The integration of CSP with other technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), could facilitate the development of more robust energy systems capable of balancing variable renewables. By leveraging the heat generated through CSP and combining it with nuclear technology, the efficiency and flexibility of energy generation can be enhanced, enabling smoother integration into existing grids. This collaborative approach can address direct and indirect heating needs, opening new markets and applications. Overall, combining different clean energy sources allows for a more holistic approach to achieving net-zero emissions targets.
Complex, outdated, expensive: concentrating solar power used to be a clunky way of harnessing the sun. What’s changed to now make it viable?
Concentrating Solar Power, or CSP, takes energy from the sun, converts it to heat, and uses it to drive a turbine to provide renewable electricity. It has more moving parts than photovoltaic (PV) solar – which has none – so there is more that can go wrong. But it has the big advantage that the heat can be stored for days, weeks and even months, meaning that CSP can support grid stability even when the sun isn’t shining. Its real competition isn’t PV solar, but other “clean firm” power sources such as geothermal.
The US Department of Energy is funding 25 projects in this area, with almost $100 million to research and develop CSP technologies. To discuss the technology and the viability of a process that’s been trying to get off the ground in the US for decades, Melissa Lott and Amy Myers-Jaffe are joined by Dr Matt Bauer from the Solar Energy Technologies Office.
They explore the different generations of CSP technology, with Gen 3 focusing on higher temperature heat and more efficient power cycles. The steep learning curve and capital intensity of CSP plants is a particular barrier to deployment at the moment, as is the risk associated with building large thermal plants. The potential for CSP to bridge seasonal energy storage gaps is there; unlocking it is the problem.
