Home » browse » CSP

CSP

  • CSP Feed-in Tariffs Guide (2011)-

    Written to support CSP Today’s 2011 concentrated solar power (CSP) event in Seville, this report provides an overview of the regulatory incentives schemes that exist to support the concentrated solar thermal industry around the world. It summarises the incentives and targets for CSP in nine countries: USA, South Africa, India, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. For each, the feed-in tariffs, tax credits, or subsidies are specified and explained by different industry experts.

    Author: CSP Today

    Year: 2011

  • Middle East and North Africa Region Assessment of the Local Manufacturing Potential for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Projects -

    Commissioned by the World Bank and carried out by Ernst and Young and the Fraunhofer Institute, this report assesses the local manufacturing potential for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) components in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

  • 3rd Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Summit , Sevilla-

    The organisers of the two day conference "Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Summit" promise the participants to "find the answers to their most pressing CSP challenges in 2009". Among them are:

  • Concentrating Solar Power: Global Outlook 09-

    This 2009 report looks into the global outlook of concentrating solar power (CSP). The report first looks into the different CSP technologies and makes a comparison based on the advantages and disadvantages. The report also provides an overview of the CSP development by region. For certain countries per region a more detailed assessment is provided. In particular, the potential of the Mediterranean and the MENA region is being assessed.

  • Concentrating Solar Power -Technology, Cost, and Markets (2008)-

    This report analyzes the current state of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology and its market, and makes predictions on the impact that CSP will have on the broader energy markets in the next decade. It was written by the sustainable technology research firm the Prometheus Institute for Greentech Media, an online sustainable energy focused media company.

  • Design, Construction and Operation of CSP Solar Thermal Power Plants in Florida (2011)-

    This document was assembled by the University of Southern Florida and the Florida Energy Systems Consortium (FESC) as an overview of their developments with solar thermal systems. More specifically, this focuses on the design, construction and operation of CSP Solar Thermal Power Plants in Florida. This project aims to develop a solar thermal power technology that will lead diverse energy resources in Florida and reduce greenhouse emissions by utilizing renewable sources.

  • The WB Clean Technology Fund. MENA Renewable Energy Program (2009)-

    This is a presentation from Mr. Mohab Hallouda (World Bank Energy Specialist) during the “MENA Energized: Regional Challenges to "Green the Power" Sector” event held in in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It was jointly organized by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and the Euro Mediterranean Energy Market Integration Project (MED-EMIP).

  • Technology Review and Selection of CSP and Desalination Configurations (2009)-

    This Final Report is the deliverable of Work Package (WP1) from the MED-CSD Project. Designed to assess combined solar power and desalination plants’ technico-economic potential in Mediterranean Partner countries, it was a project funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme (FP7). It ran between June 2008 and June 2010.

  • The Emergence of a Regulatory Framework in the MENA Region. Perspective from the Maghreb Countries (2009)-

    This presentation was delivered by Mr. Rafik Missaoui, a Tunisian Energy expert, during the “MENA Energized: Regional Challenges to "Green the Power" Sector” event held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The event was jointly organized by the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) and the Euro Mediterranean Energy Market Integration Project (MED-EMIP).

  • Concentrating Solar Thermal Systems for Generating Electricity (2010)-

    This is a presentation from the Mexican Non-Conventional Energy Management Electric Power Research Institute aimed at describing the perspectives of using concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies, and the implications stemming from this choice. It was made during the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) Electricity Workshop held in Paraguay in May 2010.

  • Solar Thermal Technology (2005)-

    This presentation is from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) OpenCourseWare program on Sustainable Energy. It provides an overview of solar thermal technology including power towers, solar thermal cooling and storage technologies.

  • Solar Energy Technologies Program (2009)-

    This two page factsheet is an overview of the US Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Program. Written by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this report summarizes the recent initiatives and strategic focus of DOE’s Solar Energy Technologies Program and touches on regulatory efforts to help the burgeoning concentrating solar power (CSP) market sector.

  • Rooftop Micro-Concentrators (2011)-

    This is an evaluation of a rooftop micro-concentrated solar thermal power system installed in Santa Barbara, California. The presentation was developed by the energy company Chromasun and was first delivered at the Solar Power International 2011 conference.

  • Solar Energy – Upside for Downstream (2010)-

    The report published in 2010 by the Silvia Quandt Research deals with the downstream segment of the solar industry, highlighting its potential for investors. Starting from the case of feed-in tariffs in Germany, the report analyses not only key markets, but also the activities of leading companies in this sector.

  • Global Energy Supply Potential of Concentrating Solar Power (2009)-

    This paper was presented during the 2009 SolarPACES Conference in Berlin by Christian Breyer and Gerhard Knies. The aim is to outline the potential of concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) in addressing the global energy supply challenges.

  • Water Policy Considerations: Deploying Solar Power in the State of Arizona (2010)-

    This report on concentrating solar power (CSP) was produced by the United States Senate Office of Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona.

    The report focuses on the effect of CSP on the supply of water in Arizona. The report finds that conventional CSP production would be back overall for the state of Arizona because CSP uses a much larger supply of water than other renewable energy sources. As there are other renewable energy options, the report says that CSP would not be an appropriate solar energy source for Arizona because it would lean to heavily on its water supply.

  • Concentrating Solar Power for Seawater Desalination (2008)-

    The authors of this 2008 paper aim to demonstrate the importance concentrating solar power has for desalination of freshwater. Due to the projected growth in economy and population and the anticipated increase in future water consumption in the MENA region, the paper shows that the CSP technology has the potential to provide a solution for the growing water deficits.

  • Concentrating Solar Power and its Prospect in Bangladesh (2009)-

    This article from the University of Science and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh explores the potential of building a concentrating solar power plant (CSP) in Bangladesh, to overcome the crisis in the power sector. Bangladesh has an average annual solar radiation of nearly 1,900kWh/m2, which is sufficient to operate a CSP plant. Studies foreseen that by 2015 the capital costs of the plant would become $3,800/kWe.

  • Technical Assistance Report – People’s Republic of China: Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Development (2009)-

    This 2009 Technical Assistance (TA) report from the Asian Development Bank outlines the support the Asian Development Bank can give to China for, among other issues, the development of a road map for concentrating solar power demonstration and deployment in the Gansu Province. In addition, it also has as objective to disseminate the knowledge to other provinces in China.

  • Solar Thermal Power Plants –Firm Capacity with 100% Renewables (2009)-

    This is a presentation from the company Solar Millennium AG, made during the CUEN (Cambridge University Energy Network) 3rd annual energy conference in June 2009. It provides an overview of solar energy capacity, opportunities, technologies and market evolution possibilities. After a brief panorama of the world’ solar potential, by geographical location and type of technology, the authors explain the evolution of solar technologies since 1912 until now.

  • Low Carbon Future (2011)-

    This is an overview presented by the Southern Africa Solar Thermal and Electricity Association (SASTELA) concerning the potential, developments and future perspectives for both solar thermal and PV energy in Africa, especially in South Africa. The main objective is to develop and interconnect the African nascent grid to the EU electrical grid by 2050. Following a brief presentation of SASTELA’s 10 objectives, the document provides some context information linked to the CSP (concentrating solar power) potential of Africa and the main activities under development.

  • Fast-Tracking Solar Development in the Desert (2010)-

    This document was prepared in 2010 and describes the rush to gain traction in the solar thermal market in southwest of the United States.

    There is an estimated 250,000 square miles of southwestern deserts deemed suitable for solar thermal development. It includes the driving factors for solar thermal, as well as plans previously discussed for development. There are also factors associated with solar thermal development like water usage and faulty energy reports that need to be addressed.

  • Central Solar Power: The Climate Connection (2008)-

    This presentation was created by David Berry of Western Resource Advocates (WRA), a non-profit environmental law and policy organization. It provides information on climbing CO2 levels in the atmosphere, how this will affect the future climate of the American Southwest, and the role solar thermal can play in moderating rising greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Renewable Energy Essentials: Concentrating Solar Thermal Power (2010)-

    This document was created by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2010. It explains the background and basics of concentrating solar thermal power (CSP), and has an introduction explaining the current market status and trends.

    It discusses the economics of CSP, including generation costs, investment costs and displays it by how much it costs per Watt to create state-of-the-art trough plants. It gives an outlook for growth, as well as barriers.

  • 2nd CSP Training series : solar resource, solar desalination and market figures-
    By Fernando Nuno / Published on Fri, 2010-08-06 11:03
           
    Further reading
    • 2nd CSP Training series : solar desalination (1/2)-
      By Fernando Nuno / Published on Sun, 2010-10-10 21:58

      Second session of the 2nd Concentrated Solar Power Training dedicated to solar desalination technologies.

    • CSP Technologies Projects in EUMENA (2008)-

      Dr. Nikolaus Benz Vice President of ESTELA (European Solar Thermal Electricity Association) gave this presentation at the EUROMED 2008 Solar Workshop. This is a very informative presentation about concentrated solar power technologies. The slides explain de differences between a power tower, parabolic trough, linear Fresnel and a dish stirling. A map pointing out the current markets is also provided, together with more specific information on the projects ongoing in Spain and also on the MENA region.

    • Combined Solar Power and Desalination Plants: Update on the MED-CSD Project (2009)-

      This presentation from 2009 provides an update of the MED-CSD project. The main aim of this project is the assessment of the technico-economic potential of CSP for electricity and desalination in the Mediterranean region. The presentation first gives a global overview by linking the regions suffering from water scarcity with the global potential for concentrating solar power.

    • Reduced Water Consumption in Concentrating Solar Power Systems -

      This report from the US Department of Energy on the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, discusses potential methods to reduce water consumption associated with concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. The four technologies covered in the report are parabolic troughs, linear Fresnel, power towers and dish/engine. Parabolic troughs are the most commercially available technology in this group.

    • Developing Countries Success Stories (2010)-

      This document relates the status of the green economy initiative in 8 countries. The Green Economy Initiative (GEI) was designed by the United National Environment Programme to assist governments in “greening” their economies by reshaping and refocusing policies, investments and spending towards greener sectors. The document refers different technologies and renewable energy sources, including the usage of solar thermal and CSP in China and Tunisia.

    • Wildcatting the Sun A Texas Solar Roadmap (2009)-

      This report was prepared in February 2009 by Public Citizen, Environment Texas and Vote Solar. The document looks at the various factors and technology needed to not only supply Texas’ energy needs but make Texas a world leader in solar energy.

      Three solar technologies are discussed; photovoltaic (PV), concentrating solar power (CSP) and solar water heaters. The report goes into detail discussing the different variations and advantages each technology possesses. Various charts and photos show applications and cost benefit analysis.

    • Commitments Toward Wind and Energy Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Integration in Algeria, Jordan, Tunisia and Turkey (2009)-

      The REMAP Project (Action Plan for High Priority Renewable Energy Initiatives in Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Area) is a two years initiative funded under the European Commission FP6 with the goal of investigating two electricity generation technologies: wind power and concentrated solar power, in nine European and Mediterranean countries (Algeria, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Jordan, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey).

    • Solar Thermal Electricity as the Primary Replacement for Coal and Oil in U.S. Generation and Transportation (2008)-

      This report was prepared by David R. Mills and Robert G. Morgan.

      The report talks about various ways the US can use the sun as an integrated renewable energy source to fully power the US electrical grid. The report also shows how STE (solar thermal electricity) is being used in different platforms and with the proper storage could be used to power a great majority of the US. A calculation provided in the report suggest that the cost of the STE option will be less than continuing to import oil as well as decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.

       

    • Concentrating Solar Power for Seawater Desalination (2007)-

      This extensive study from 2007 assesses in a detailed way the potential of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems for large scale seawater desalination. The geographical scope of the report focuses on the urban centres in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

      The objective of the study is to demonstrate that these large scale CSP processes can be used to provide water supply in a balanced, affordable and secure way and as such helping avoiding a threatening fresh water deficit.

    • Building a Solar Future – Recovering America’s Homes, Businesses and Industry with Solar Energy (2010)-

      This report was put out in 2010 by Environment America Research & Police Center. The basis of this report is America’s potential and how the goal should be set to obtain 10 percent or more total energy consumption from the sun by 2030 using solar technology.

      Technologies described to accomplish this include: concentrating solar power, solar water heaters, solar space heating/cooling, and passive solar design.

    • Here Comes the Sun: Solar Thermal in the Mojave Desert (2009)-

      This report was arranged by Holly Campbell, Abby P. Metzger, Deidra Spencer, Stacey Miller and Erika Allen Wolters.

      The document discusses the benefits offered from solar thermal plant vs. photovoltaic systems. The document also goes in-depth with a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the proposed building of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants in the Mojave Desert.

    • A Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant Simulation Model (2003)-

      This report was released by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 2003. It provides an overview of the Parabolic Trough model with details regarding performance, cost and economic assessment of design and technology variations.

      They compare modeled parabolic trough numbers with actual outputs through cost models and performance models, as well as going over predictions and assumptions based off of their model.

    • Opportunities for kWh Price Improvement of Solar Thermal Electricity Plants (2006)-

      This research paper was from the Utrecht University’s Department of Science, Technology and Society in 2006.

      The goal of this paper is to go over how a solar thermal electricity plant can be competitive to fossil fuel based on cost. This can be accomplished when you look at the construction criteria of the solar thermal plants.

    • Key Suppliers in Solar Thermal Power Value Chain and Venture Capital Companies (2009)-

      This document was released by Clixoo Renewable Energy Research in 2009. It starts with a background on solar thermal and the different applications of solar thermal energy.

      It also explains a solar thermal value chain, which breaks down the process of producing solar thermal systems, and the companies involved in the process. You can see a table of all system components and the materials it takes to make them.

    • Concentrated Solar Thermal Power - Training course on Technology in 5 lessons-

      Seville University holds a long tradition on Concentrated Solar Thermal Power (CSTP) research. Its students become key players at research centers and solar energy departments of companies. One of the "fathers" of CSTP in Spain, Manuel Silva, will be delivering 5 lessons about technology and assessment of solar resource.

    • Software and Codes for Analysis of Concentrating Solar Power Technologies (2008)-

      This 2008 document provides an overview of the various software packages and codes that have been used to support Sandia National Laboratories’ CSP research activities. The report also looks into software programmes which have been developed by other institutions or companies.

      The report looks into three CSP technologies i.e. power tower systems, linear concentrator systems and dish/engine systems. For each of the technologies, an assessment of the software is made based on a hierarchy for modeling complex systems.

    • Economic, Energy, and Environmental Benefits of Concentrating Solar Power in California- The objective of the study, published by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREl) in 2006, was to characterize commercial and developing CSP technologies and estimate the direct and indirect economic impacts of CSP deployment. The economic impact of CSP deployment was calculated by considering the impact to Gross State Output, earnings, employment, and to state tax receipts. The study was divided into five tasks: • Task 1: Technology Assessment • Task 2: Solar Resource Assessment • Task 3: Cost of Energy and Economic Impact Evaluation
    • Concentrated Solar Power as Part of European Energy Supply (2006)-

      This document from 2006 has been prepared by the Technical University of Delft - the Netherlands. The paper states that CSP is a way to ensure a more sustainable energy supply in the EU while contributing to the Kyoto targets.

    • Global Potential of Concentrating Solar Power (2009)-

      This paper presented at the 2009 SolarPaces Conference in Berlin sets out an analysis of the potential of concentrating solar power (CSP) on a global scale. The paper starts with assessing the level of direct normal solar irradiation needed for CSP plants which is combined with an analysis of the suitable land resources based on various site criteria.

    • Large-scale Rollout of Concentrating Solar Power in South Africa (2009)-

      This 2009 paper is a follow-up from the CSP workshop which took place in May 2009. This document looks into the large-scale rollout of concentrating solar power (CSP) based upon the modelling of long-term mitigation scenarios (LTMS) of South Africa.

    • An Overview of CSP in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East (2008)-

      This document from 2008 gives a comprehensive overview of CSP development in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The paper first looks into the key drivers and key inhibitors that impact the growth of CSP. Particular attention is given to the cost factor of CSP such as initial investment costs and the operating & maintenance costs.

    • Success Story: Feed-In Tariffs Support Solar Thermal Power in Spain (2008)-

      This document explains how feed-in tariffs (FIT) contributed to the success of solar thermal energy in Spain, especially concentrating solar power (CSP). The document provides a comprehensive introduction to feed-in tariffs, its use in Spain, the main elements of the Spanish legislation and how the feed-in tariffs schemes were adapted to CSP technology The first royal decree introducing feed-in tariffs for solar thermal power was introduced in 2002 and was updated in 2006 and 2007.

    • Solar Thermal Energy - Solar “thermal” energy designate all technologies that collect solar rays and transform their energy into usable heat, either for directly satisfying heating needs (notably space heating, water heating – and space cooling) or for producing electricity and fuels. The latter includes concentrating solar power technologies, and other concepts such as solar updraft towers and ocean thermal energy. This paper thus considers all direct forms of solar energy except photovoltaic, assessing resource potential, technology status, and supporting policies.
    • Making Solar Thermal Power Generation in India a Reality - Overview of Technologies, Opportunities and Challenges-

      This document from the Energy and Resources Institute gives an overview of the state of play of solar thermal development in India. It makes a link with the set target to reach 50 MW from solar energy by 2012.

      The paper explanes the opportunities for solar thermal power generation in India but also indicates certain barriers that block the further development of this technology. As a way forward, it is suggested that India should take a fresh initiative to assess the latest technology and its feasibility in the Indian context.

    • Thermal Storage Analysis in CSP Plants (2009)- This presentation, prepared by Leonardo Energy, describes and discusses ways to improve solar thermal storage technologies, notably melted salt and concrete storage. The improvement of these technologies would allow a better profit of the energy produced by power plants.
    • Concentrated Solar Power – Focusing the Sun’s Energy for Large-Scale Power Generation (2009)-

      This fact sheet was written by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute in 2009. The document starts with a brief background on solar thermal energy and then describes the different types of solar thermal systems (parabolic trough, linear fresnal reflectors, dish/engine, power tower).

    • On the Rise – Solar Thermal Power and the Fight Against Global Warming (2008)-

      This report was put together by Environment America Research and Policy Center in 2008 and is about how the use of solar thermal technologies can help stop the threat of global warming. Electricity generation accounts for more than a third of America’s emissions of global warming pollution. Using concentrating solar power (CSP) can make a large contribution toward reducing global warming pollution in the United States. This document states the capacity in the States to expand its solar thermal market. It gives a short history of solar thermal power and the different technologies.

    • Steam Turbines for Solar Thermal Power Plants (2008)-

      This document from 2008 was put out by Siemens and it explains how their turbine technology can fit in concentrated solar power concepts. When surplus heat is stored in heat storage tanks, it can be used to extend the running hours on steam turbines during times without sun radiation.

      Read document here

       

    • Feed-In Tariffs Support Solar Thermal Power in Spain-

      This document explains how the use of Feed-In Tariffs has been beneficial for the development of concentrating solar power (CSP) in Spain. A Feed-In Tariff ensures that the entrepreneurs’ electricity will be bought at a guaranteed rate for a fixed period of time.

    • Worldwide Dissemination of CSP Technologies and Resulting Economical Opportunities for the German Industry (2009)-

      This 2009 study from the Wuppertal Institute looks into the economical opportunities of CSP development from a German perspective. The study analyses the role German companies can play in the development of CSP technologies and how the export of these technologies to the “sunbelt” regions can benefit the different levels in the value-added chain.

    • Report CSP Workshop, South Africa (2009)-

      This is the report of a CSP workshop, which took place in South Africa on 22 May 2009. The workshop results from the necessity to gather project developers, the government, NGOs and research centers to start a discussion on scaling up CSP.

      In South Africa, the development of CSP infrastructure has been boosted by the government which policy is to encourage renewable energy projects via financial measures and incentives such as the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) or the Clean Development Mechanism.

    • Desert Power: The Economics of Solar Thermal Electricity for Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East-

      This working paper from the Center for Global Development (CGDEV) looks into the economics of solar thermal or concentrating solar power (CSP).

    • Delivering on Earth's Solar Potential (2009)-

      This 2009 document sees concentrating solar power (CSP) as a solution to the world’s energy challenges. The document states that CSP is one of the few available low carbon technologies which can provide a solution over the next 40 years in view of limiting greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the concerns of energy security.

      The report comes to this conclusion based on the CSP performance in Spain and the US and the maturity of the existing technology. The report anticipates in the short to medium term a greater grid connectivity in both Europe and the US.

    • Concentrating Solar Power: Clean Energy for the Electric Grid (2008)-

      This 2008 document from the US based Center on Globalization, Governance and Competitiveness looks in particular into the value chain of CSP. The industry structure is illustrated through a general CSP value chain but also a more complete value chain with company information is provided.

      Through a case study, the paper also wants to underline the extensive manufacturing and technology innovation opportunities for CSP development in the United States.

      Read document here

    • Solar Thermal Power Generation: Potential in Algeria & Hassi R’Mel Project (2008)-

      This presentation from 2008 assesses the potential of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) development in Algeria. The first part gives a general overview of the basics of CSP after which the presentation explains how solar thermal energy is being promoted through renewable energy related programmes.

      The main targets for Algeria are to increase the renewable energy production to 5% by 2010 as well as the energy export via under-sea connection to the European market.

    • Almeria Solar Platform Center - Annual Report (2007)- The Almeria Solar Platform (PSA) is a European test facility center developed by the CIEMAT Spanish Center for Energy, Environment and Technological Research, devoted to the development of concentrating solar technologies in Spain.
    • “I have several major goals at this point”-

      Les Nelson Les Nelson – re-elected chair of the solar thermal division at SEIA
      Photo: privat

       

    • TREE Project – CSP Seminars in South Africa (2009)-

      The TREE Project (Transfer Renewable Energy & Efficiency), run by the Renewables Academy (RENAC) in Berlin aims to promote capacity building and know-how transfer in renewable energies (RE), energy efficiency (EE) and climate protection for both decision makers from politics and business, as well as technicians and engineers in emerging countries.

    • Assessment of the World Bank/GEF Strategy for the Market Development of Concentrating Solar Thermal Power (2006)-

      This report from 2006 gives a detailed assessment on the approach of GEF towards concentrating solar power development. In particular it looks into the GEF's Operational Programme 7 (OP 7) which deals with the development of technologies with low greenhouse gas emissions that are not yet commercial, but which show promise of becoming so in the future.

    • Perspectives for Concentrating Solar Power in Coastal Areas of Mediterranean Sea-

      This paper looks into the possible applications of CSP on the coastal areas of the mediterranean region. Starting with providing a short overview on the available CSP technologies, the document also looks into what the potential and market perspectives are for this technology.

    • Home and business applications of CSP for Water Heating and Cooling (2008)-

      This video from March 2008 demonstrates one man's application of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) for both solar water heating and solar cooling.