Abengoa Solar inaugurated its first high temperature solar tower in Europe on Friday.
Abengoa Solar is a subsidiary of Abengoa, S.A. (ABG.MC).
The 2-megawatts (MW) tower is in test stage and joins the only two commercial solar power towers in the world on the Solúcar Platform outside of Seville, Spain.
This concentrating solar power (CSP) tower is intended to test a new type of receiver that will achieve the higher temperatures needed for higher-efficiency thermodynamic power cycles. It is the only plant featuring these characteristics in operation in Andalusia and Europe. The aim of this new technology is to increase plant performance, thereby reducing both generating costs and the amount of land required to generate the electricity.
This experimental plant occupies a 16,000-square foot portion of the Solúcar Platform and uses 35 heliostats and a 164-foot tower which houses the experimental superheating receiver. The plant includes a thermal energy storage system supplying power supply to the grid for short periods when there is no sunlight.
“This marks the beginning of the next experimental phase for this high-potential solar power tower technology which could lead to an important step forward in our goals of generating clean electricity at competitive prices,” Rafael Osuna, General Manger Abengoa Solar New Technologies, said.
Abengoa Solar now has three solar power towers in operation, two for commercial use and this experimental tower.
The new plant is part of the Solúcar Platform, a solar thermal and photovoltaic solar installation complex scheduled for completion in 2013.
Abengoa operates through five business units: Solar, Bioenergy, Environmental Services, Information Technologies, and Industrial Engineering and Construction.
Loading...