Concentrating Solar Power

Abstract

Concentrating solar power is a complementary technology to PV. It uses concentrating collectors to provide high temperature heat to a conventional power cycle. Efficient and low-cost thermal energy storage technologies can be integrated into CSP systems, allowing electricity production according to the demand profile. CSP systems can also avoid “shadow plant capacity” needed to secure generation capacity in periods without sunshine or wind, can provide grid services, and if desired even black start capabilities. It thus supports the penetration of a high share of intermittent renewable sources like wind or PV and avoids a high share of expensive electric storage technology in the grid systems. A broader commercial implementation of CSP technology has started not until 2007 mainly in Spain and the US. Today, a capacity of almost 6 GW is in operation and another 1.5 GW are under construction worldwide. Markets in particular in the Middle East and North Africa but also in South Africa, India and China just recently started to come up. This chapter summarizes the principle, the technical requirements and the different technological concepts of CSP systems. It briefly reports on the state of the art of today's solar power plants including the current cost of solar electricity. In addition, the most relevant aspects for future cost reductions are highlighted. Finally, the worldwide potential impact of this technology to 2050 is discussed. As a further option the production of solar fuel using CSP technology is discussed.