Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants use mirrors the sun's energy to drive traditional steam turbines or engines to create electricity. When the mirrors reflect sunlight, they concentrate sunlight on to a receiver. The energy then heats a high-temperature fluid in the receiver. The thermal energy from the sun is obtained from CSP plants and is stored to produce electricity when in need. Today, in US standards, roughly 1,815 megawatts of CSP plants are in operation.
Advantages of CSP
1. Renewable and Environment friendly: The main supply of CSP is solar power, which is never exhausted and can be used continuously, making it a sustainable energy source. Also, unlike fossil fuel, CSP uses natural resources so it generates less carbon dioxide. Overall kinder to the environment and can improve the quality of air on the long term.
2. Continuous and Predictable: CSP generates a relatively continuous source of electricity, especially when compared to solar photovoltaics and wind power, which provide irregular supplies. This is due to the CSP being able to store solar energy in the form of molten salts, the electricity generated is reliable and predictable.
3. Compatibility: CSP can easily be integrated into existing steam-based power plants, as well as those running from fossil fuels. Furthermore the operating cost of CSP is much lower than nuclear and hydrocarbon based plants, due to the simple operations and management.
2. Continuous and Predictable: CSP generates a relatively continuous source of electricity, especially when compared to solar photovoltaics and wind power, which provide irregular supplies. This is due to the CSP being able to store solar energy in the form of molten salts, the electricity generated is reliable and predictable.
3. Compatibility: CSP can easily be integrated into existing steam-based power plants, as well as those running from fossil fuels. Furthermore the operating cost of CSP is much lower than nuclear and hydrocarbon based plants, due to the simple operations and management.