Solar thermal power generation project construction

What is a solar thermal power plant?

Since steam turbines can only be operated economically above a certain minimum size, today’s solar thermal power plants have rated outputs in the range of 50 to 200 megawatts. The main difference to a conventional steam power plant is the solar field, which supplies the heat for the steam generator.

How do solar thermal power plants work?

Solar thermal power plants therefore rely on the storage of the intermediate product heat and not the end product electricity. Electricity is generated by means of a steam turbine cycle, which is oper-ated according to demand and is supplied from the thermal storage system.

How will solar thermal power plants affect the future electricity mix?

The rapid expansion of the capacities of solar thermal power plants and the grid services available as a result will enable growing proportions of photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy in the future electricity mix. Andasol 3 solar thermal power plant in the province of Granada, Spain. Image: Marquesado Solar 1.

What is a solar power plant?

A solar power plant is a similar large-scale project to a conventional steam power plant. However, the planning and construction of the solar part with the mirror system and heat receiver and its connection to the steam cycle require specialist expertise.

How much does a solar thermal power plant cost?

The cost of a solar thermal power plant varies depending on its location, exact configuration, equipment selection and capacity. On average, a 50 MW solar thermal power plant, the most common option in Europe, costs 400.000-450.000 euros per MW of installed capacity.

Are solar thermal power plants controllable?

Since power generation can be flexibly adapted to demand, solar thermal power plants are referred to as controllable power plants. Solar thermal power plants have an additional advantage. If there is little solar radiation for several days due to the weather, they can be operated in hybrid mode.