Overview of the Enablers and Barriers for a Wider Deployment of CSP Tower Technology in Europe

Abstract

For years, concentrated solar power (CSP) has been considered an emerging technology that could disrupt the energy production sector . The possibility to store the electricity generated during the sunny operating hours in the form of heat enhances energy dispatchability and gives CSP a unique value proposition that conventional renewable energies cannot provide cost-efficiently since it requires the integration of costly large-scale battery systems. CSP is a cleaner technology compared to photovoltaics, but photovoltaics currently has lower overall capital costs, making it more attractive to investors and stakeholders who want to spend less money upfront, . This is one of the main reasons why CSP has never really led either the electricity market or the heating one, even if its combined generation capability (heat and electricity) is globally recognized as a great advantage for a renewable technology. In this study, we analyze the reasons why CSP is not as widespread as it could be; at the same time, we look at the opportunities and the enablers for a further deployment of this technology, focusing on the European region.

Solar desalination: A review of recent developments in environmental, regulatory and economic issues

“…Looking at market conditions in the European region, Aprà et al, [10] analyzed the reasons why concentrated solar power (CSP) is not as widespread as it could be. The authors examined the opportunities and the enablers or drivers for a better distribution of this technology.…”

“…The latter is particularly relevant to sunny and semi-arid regions such as in Spain, Sicily and Greece. However according to Aprà et al, [10], CSP has difficulties in the technological, political, and economic areas. Table 1 offers a synopsis of the primary enablers (i.e., a driver that makes something possible) and obstacles for a wider development of CSP in Europe.…”

“…On the positive side, one enabler or driver of CSP technology was its low environmental impact. Aprà et al, [10] suggested that additional investigations should be concentrated on analyzing the political, environmental, and economic limitations of all CSP power plants. This could give decision makers including investors a broader insight into the trends and opportunities of this technology.…”

Novel ceramic fibre - Zirconium diboride composites for solar receivers in concentrating solar power systems

“…The solar absorber element is one of the main bottlenecks for CSP temperature increasing [7][8][9]. Spectrally-selective coatings deposed on specific substrates can be used at low temperatures, but at high temperatures they are no more reliable and alternative strategies must be considered, such as the use of proper bulk solar absorber materials able to conjugate high temperature resistance and favourable thermophysical and optical properties.…”