European Research on Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy (2004)
This brochure has been provided by the European Commission under the European Community’s Framework Programmes for Research.
Information on concentrated solar thermal energy is given in this article. The first section provides an overview of the technology, including both the current state of the technology and its future potential. The second part explains the research areas covered by European Community funded projects since 1992 by highlighting specific projects.
Currently, most concentrated solar power systems are used for electricity generation. Concentrated solar power systems are more effective at larger sizes with more output, but developments in the field may bring down initial costs eventually.
Italy, Spain, and Germany are the European Community member states currently doing the most to support the development of concentrated solar thermal energy technology. Concentrated technology, unlike photovoltaic, requires direct sunlight; so concentrated technology would only be effective in areas like the Mediterranean, Mexico, and Australia. Concentrated solar power technologies continue to require further research to surmount both non-technical and technical barriers.
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