Since 2020, aggregated from related topics
Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a type of solar thermal technology that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, typically a receiver or heat exchanger, to generate heat or electricity. The concentrated sunlight can be used to produce high-temperature heat for industrial processes or to drive a steam turbine to generate electricity. CSP systems can store thermal energy in the form of molten salts or other materials, allowing for electricity generation even when the sun is not shining. This makes CSP a reliable and dispatchable source of renewable energy. Research in the field of concentrated solar power focuses on improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of CSP technologies, developing thermal energy storage systems, integrating CSP into the energy grid, and increasing the overall performance and reliability of CSP plants. This research aims to make CSP an increasingly competitive option for renewable energy generation and to help accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy future.