Why is CSP Seeing a Resurgence?

By CIO Applications| Thursday, November 21, 2019

Achieving zero-carbon emissions could be possible in the near future with Concentrated Solar Power (CSP).

FREMONT, CA: The requirement of high temperature for some of the industrial processes mandates the use of fossil fuels because there are very few alternatives for generating extreme heat. However, with Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), all of this is about to change. Carbon emission might come down substantially if the industries that contribute to the emissions start using CSP. CSP works on the principle of accumulating distributed solar power to run a steam turbine. A vast number of mirrors arranged in particular patterns and angled optimally reflect sunlight onto a central location where the heat gets concentrated and thus, facilitates steam formation. This innovative way of power generation is environment-friendly and offers scopes for industries to curtail the use of fossil fuels.

CSP has been around for a decade now, but the precedence given to photovoltaic cells undermined the potential of generating energy from concentrated solar power. The rapid fall in the prices of PV cells was one of the major factors that hindered CSP. However, with solar getting more popular than ever before, CSP is now being considered in addition to the PV cells. In recent developments, energy technology companies have come up with solutions that make CSP a viable option.

The cost disadvantages of CSP are now being overcome with the help of software solutions. By using software solutions, CSP mirrors can be aligned optimally. Intelligent alignment allows the mirrors to achieve the best possible results and generate the highest amount of reflections. The more accurate the configuration, the higher is the efficiency of the energy generation system. Technologies like visual analytics and automation can empower CSP systems significantly and help achieve greater results.

The possibilities that the technology offers are about to grow as further innovations happen. CSP can find many industrial takers that require high temperatures to operate, and thus has excellent market potential as well. In a few years, CSP might also turn out to be more cost-effective than conventional sources of energy.

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