CSPs With Storage Capability Provide More Value

It has been proven that electricity generated from concentrating solar power (CSP) plants with storage capability outperforms solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power.

Extensive research studies cited throughout The Economic and Reliability Benefits of CSP With Thermal Energy Storage: Recent Studies and Research Needs, a report from the CSP Alliance, prove that the services derived from CSP with storage add value to CSP, PV as well as wind power.

“When comparing CSP with thermal energy storage to alternative renewable technologies (including CSP without storage), there are several primary categories of additional benefits…as well as lower system integration costs when compared to other variable energy resources, ”  said the CSP Alliance summary of studies.

PV and wind without storage, lack the flexibility that which is offered by CSP with storage. As such, they cannot necessarily generate on a fixed schedule or in a sudden unscheduled event. In that sense, CSP with storage has the kind of value more commonly associated with a natural gas plant.

“A robust body of research is available and demonstrates that CSP with storage provides additional economic and reliability value to utilities and grid operators when compared to other renewable investments,” said BrightSource Energy’s Dr. Udi Helman.

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