Technology Status - NET Nowak Energie & Technologie AG

Operation and maintenance costs (10-15%) are relatively high compared to
other renewable technologies. The lifetime of a CSP plant is intended to be
20 to 30 years. However, some components may have to be replaced more
frequently.
The remainder of the generation costs depend mostly on the solar irradiation
level. Electrical output generated by CSP plants is roughly proportional to the
incident light onto the active area. Hence, a CSP plant receiving 1,700 kWh of
solar irradiation per year and per square metre will produce less electricity
per year and per square metre than the same plant receiving 2,200 kWh of
solar irradiation per year and per square metre.
The best cost-competitiveness is achieved in areas where radiation levels are
particularly high, i.e. more than 1,700 kWh per square metre. Many areas in
the world have an arid or semi-arid climate, providing optimal conditions for
CSP. The cost of concentrating solar power generated with up-to-date
technology is between 10 and 15 USD cents per kWh.
● Industry
The CSP industry currently includes about 25 companies that design, sell,
own and/or operate energy systems and power plants based on the
concentration of solar energy. CSP companies include energy utilities,
independent power producers or project developers, equipment
manufacturers, specialised development firms, and consultants. While some
companies only offer CSP products, many offer related energy products and
services (see Table 21).
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Table 21
Participants in the CSP Industry in the US and Europe
Participants USA Europe
Energy utilities 3 4
Independent power producer 4 2
Project developers 4 4
Development and equipment
manufacturers
15 5
Consultants 4 2
Source: NET Ltd., Switzerland.
CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER
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