The prospects of solar thermal power tower

Are solar power towers a promising technology?

All the issues commented above make solar power towers, among other concentrated solar power technologies, a promising technology with commercial possibilities in the mid term. Better performance and cheaper electricity compared with other options seems within reach.

Are solar thermal power plants the future of energy?

With approximately six gigawatts of installed capacity worldwide in 2020, solar thermal power plants are still at the beginning of their market introduction, comparable to photovol-taics 15 years ago or wind energy 25 years ago.

Why are solar thermal power plants important?

Since solar thermal power plants can feed their electricity into the power grid even after sunset, they are of particular value for an energy system based on renewable energy sources. Solar thermal power plants are of strategic importance in sunny countries to be able to phase out coal and gas power plants in the future.

When did solar tower technology start?

Thermal energy collection techniques of solar thermal plants, wind and solar power systems design, analysis, and operation From the early 1980s to late 1990s, many research activities in the field of solar tower technology took place in North America and Europe.

What are the socio-economic effects of solar thermal power plants?

A special aspect of solar thermal power plants with regard to the socio-economic effects is their geographical location. Since they are mostly located away from metropolitan areas, they offer development prospects, especially in regions with a weak economic structure.

Are solar towers suitable for thermochemical processes?

Solar tower systems are particularly suitable as energy suppliers for thermochemical processes that require high-temperature heat at temperatures above 1000 °C. These processes have a potentially higher eficiency and use less land than the electrolysis process.