Solar Thermal Power Generation

Solar thermal power generation presents a viable solution for economically feasible renewable electricity production, particularly in regions with high solar resources where it can achieve costs below 15 €cent/kWh for 50 – 200 MW el plants. This paper aims to explore the current advancements and future projections of solar thermal technology. A review of existing concentrated solar power systems highlights the use of high-temperature steam in conventional cycles through parabolic trough and power tower technologies. The paper discusses case studies from California and Spain, illustrating the industry’s progress and legislative support that has renewed interest in solar thermal energy. Furthermore, it anticipates cost reductions in levelised electricity costs (LEC), projecting them to potentially fall below 4-6 €cent/kWh in the long term, following advancements in efficiency and system costs. Finally, the necessity for pilot plants to validate experimental data under operational conditions is emphasized, paving the way for future developments in this promising energy field.