SunShot Vision Study- Concentrating Solar Power: Technologies, Cost and Performance (February 2012)

Abstract:

This chapter evaluates the current cost, performance, and potential of several CSP technologies. A detailed discussion of the opportunities for potential cost reductions to existing and emerging Concentrating Solar Power technologies is provided. Key challenges to achieving the level of CSP growth envisioned in the SunShot scenario are evaluated, including potential materials-supply constraints as well as manufacturing scale-up issues. This analysis makes it clear that continued CSP technology advances and cost reductions, through both continued R&D investments and increased deployment activities, will be necessary for achieving the SunShot scenario. In particular, CSP’s ability to provide firm, dispatchable power generation will play a critical role in enabling the U.S. electricity generation system to operate safely and reliably under the SunShot scenario’s levels of solar technology deployment.

Publication Year:

2012

Publisher:

US Department of Energy

DOI:

No DOI minted

Author(s):

Sunshot project