Concentrated Solar Thermal Technology for Power Generation and its Case Studies

The dependence on conventional energy sources since the Industrial revolution has increased extensively, affecting our environment. Over-exploitation of natural resources has led to the increased global average temperature rise of approximately 2°C per year and the emission of toxic gases and byproducts that can cause health complications. Further, it can cause acid deposition due to the reaction between Nitrogen oxides and Sulphur dioxide mixing with water, Oxygen, and other chemicals in the air which affects architecture, crops, marine, and wildlife. Hence, there is an urgent need to transition from conventional sources like fossil fuels to renewable energy. Solar energy is of two types: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) where Photovoltaic cells (panels of semiconductor cells) are used to collect both direct and scattered rays and convert them into electricity and Solar Thermal Energy where the sun’s heat is captured. So our area of research involves CST technology and a detailed analysis and case study of India One Solar Thermal Power Plant located in Abu Road, Rajasthan, and PS10 located in Seville, Spain, and check its economic feasibility. There are benefits and drawbacks to CST technology. Even though India One and PS10 are noteworthy accomplishments in the field of renewable energy, there are still several issues with the technology that need to be resolved in order to make it a more viable and affordable choice.