CSP – How Concentrated Solar Power Works

The smarter E Podcast Episode 150 | September 14, 2023 | Language: English

A really hot topic: Using solar energy through highly concentrated mirror systems, we can achieve high temperatures of 150 - 1500 Celsius to drive power cycles (electricity generation) or industrial processes such as cement production or green hydrogen. The technology is commonly known as concentrating solar power (CSP) and typically includes storage to provide energy even when the sun is not shining. But how far along is CSP technology? How does it differ from PV? Where is the greatest potential? And what role will CSP play in a future renewable energy mix?

We talk to Wes Stein. He is Chief Research Scientist for Solar Technologies at CSIRO, Australia's national science organization and chair of the SolarPaces Conference 2023.

Timeline:

  • 02:22 How does CSP work, what are the main advantages & differences to PV?
  • 08:55 What role does CSP play in providing heat for industrial processes?
  • 13:13 Current global market: What is the current market for CSP? Which countries & regions have the most potential?
  • 17:56 Future prospects and current R&D hot topics

About The smarter E Podcast

The smarter E podcast is all about the current trends and developments in a renewable, decentralized and digital energy industry. Our moderators Tobias Bücklein and Zackes Brustik welcome and interview personalities who shape our industry and drive developments forward. A new episode is published every Thursday.

Click on the logo to listen to the podcast on the platform of your choice.

About Wes Stein

Wes Stein, Chief Research Scientist for Solar Technologies at CSIRO

Wes Stein is a Chief Research Scientist for Solar Technologies at CSIRO. He has been active in CSP research for over 25 years and was instrumental in establishing the National Solar Energy Centre at CSIRO, including building Australia's first solar tower. He is also the Chief Technologist for the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute where he leads the development of strategies and technologies for the next generation of CSP. Prior to CSIRO, he worked in the power industry for 20 years in power station operation and design, as well as investigating and developing new energy technologies for utilities.

Content Partner

The smarter E Podcast

Bereits seit Frühjahr 2020 begrüßen wir im The smarter E Podcast Gäste zu allen Facetten der Energiewende. Nachhören lohnt sich!

Alle Podcast-Folgen in der Übersicht

The World’s Leading Exhibition for the Solar Industry
Learn more
Further Content
Expert Interview
Interview with Ms. Priya Selvaraj, Vice President and Country Head of Gamesa Electric in India

February 15, 2024

Ms. Priya Selvaraj from Gamesa Electric talks about the current state of development of the market and gives a glimpse into the future.

Exhibition
Buyer-Seller Forum

Connect with the best

Expert Interview
Interview with KN Sreevatsa, Country Managing Director, FIMER INDIA

February 7, 2024

KN Sreevatsa, Country Managing Director, FIMER INDIA, analyzes the growth of the inverter and solar PV market, fuelled by government support and R&D advancements. He also explores India's potential as a green hydrogen hub and highlights FIMER's contributions to the energy storage industry and its long-standing collaboration with Intersolar India.

Press Release
Call for Innovations in Energy and Mobility: Application Period for The smarter E AWARD Starts Now

November 30, 2023

The smarter E AWARD moves into the next round and has been completely revamped. From December 1, 2023, companies will have the chance to submit their innovations or projects and compete for The smarter E AWARD – for the first time in five categories.

Expert Interview
Interview with Avinash Hiranandani, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, RenewSys India

January 18, 2024

Avinash Hiranandani, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, RenewSys India, shares his insights on the growth of RenewSys and the Indian solar market over the years, how can India become globally competitive, and Intersolar India as a critical market for the solar sector.

Service Menu
You are using an outdated browser

The website cannot be viewed in this browser. Please open the website in an up-to-date browser such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.