EPRI: Solar Parabolic Trough Most Feasible Tech Option for 2011 N.M. Plant

March 28, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

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A study released by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) concludes that for New Mexico to reach its renewable energy goals, solar parabolic trough technology is more feasible than other central station solar energy options.

The report evaluated a broad range of solar technologies, potential plant designs and sites that could be developed for a 50-500 megawatt (MW) solar power plant in New Mexico. The state has a renewable portfolio standard of 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2011 and 20% by 2020.

Unlike conventional flat-plate solar photovoltaic panels, concentrating solar power (CSP) uses mirrors to concentrate the heat and generate electricity through a conventional steam turbine generator.

Parabolic trough is the most mature CSP technology, as well as the most economical for near-term construction, the report concludes.

Additional findings:

• Integrating thermal storage or natural gas hybridization into the plant designs was found to increase the reliability and ability to dispatch the plant, while slightly lowering the cost of energy.
• Wet cooling provides the lowest cost of energy, but dry cooling may be preferred due to water restrictions, despite a 2-4% cost penalty.
• Financial incentives will be essential for any design.

There are eleven utility-sized CSP plants in the U.S. today; one in Nevada, one in Arizona and nine in California. Over four gigawatts of concentrating solar power are planned worldwide over the next five years. Several new large-scale plants are currently under development in the southwestern U.S., and this trend is expected to continue as energy companies broaden their generation mix to include solar and prepare to meet state requirements.

Although still high compared to traditional generation options, the cost of CSP generation is expected to decrease as the technologies mature and deployment increases, said EPRI.

The study was funded by EPRI members Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), Southern California Edison, El Paso Electric, Xcel Energy and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Inc.

Source: Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).