Power from the sun around the clock

Green electricity derived from solar is a key component of the energy transition. But sunshine fluctuates. At night, this natural source of energy obviously does not produce at all. Therefore, many solar power plants store the additional energy generated during the day with the help of expensive batteries or thermal storage systems. However, the latter can develop into a cost driver if the systems are not perfectly coordinated and tailored to the requirements of the market. To tackle this issue, Tractebel’s experts, together with engineers and scientists from German industry and research institutions, explored ways of optimising concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. Their solution is called “CSP power plants with molten salt - made in Germany.”

Molten salt technology feasible in numerous locations

This CSP solution uses molten salt for energy transmission and storage. Mirrors arranged in a concentric form direct solar radiation to a tower, where high temperatures heat a liquid salt mass flow which is held in tanks. The molten salt can be released at any time and cooled by a heat exchanger. In the process, water is heated under high pressure and vaporises. The steam drives a turbine which in turn generates electrical current.

The new study can provide a key building block for the future success of CSP plants with molten salt. Would you like to find out more? Read the full report here: Publication - Tractebel Blog

Together with experts and scientists from Germany and with funding from the German government, Tractebel has developed a conceptual study for an economical and efficient CSP plant which even generates energy in the dark with the help of molten salt.