Solar Mirror Power Generation Project

How do CSP systems generate solar energy?

CSP systems generate solar power by using mirrors and lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a smaller, focused area. Specifically, Ivanpah leverages “power tower” solar thermal technology to generate energy. More than 170,000 devices, known as heliostats, direct solar energy onto boilers fitted within the three power towers.

Is concentrating solar power the future of electricity generation?

(Getty Images: John Moore) There was a time, not long ago, when the future of electricity generation looked something like the opening scene of Blade Runner 2049, with endless arrays of mirrors in concentric circles. Concentrated solar power (CSP) uses mirrors to focus heat from the Sun to drive a steam turbine and generate electricity.

What is concentrated solar power (CSP)?

Concentrated solar power (CSP, also known as concentrating solar power, concentrated solar thermal) systems generate solar power by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight into a receiver.

What is a twin tower solar power project?

The project's twin tower configuration and adaptable mirror array are poised to enhance solar thermal power generation efficiency and reliability. Anticipated annual output is 1.8 billion kilowatt hours, contributing to a reduction of 1.53 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

How much electricity does Solar 2 generate?

Solar Two—a demonstration power tower located in the Mojave Desert— can generate about 10 MW of electricity. In this central receiver system, thou-sands of sun-tracking mirrors called heliostats reflect sunlight onto the receiver.

Are concentrating solar-thermal power plants real?

Fields of mirrors reflect sunlight onto two of three receivers at the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility in San Bernardino County, California. Photo by Cliff Ho. If you come across one in the desert, its bright lights may fool you into thinking it’s a mirage—but rest assured, concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) plants are very real.