Concentrating Solar Power
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) researches and develops a clean, large-scale solar thermal technology known as concentrating solar power (CSP). This research and development (R&D) focuses on three types of concentrating solar technologies: trough systems, dish/engine systems, and power towers. These solar technologies are used in CSP plants that use different kinds of mirror configurations to convert the sun's energy into high-temperature heat. The heat energy is then used to generate electricity in a steam generator.
Concentrating solar power's relatively low cost and ability to deliver power during periods of peak demand—when and where we need it—mean that it can be a major contributor to the nation's future needs for distributed sources of energy.
DOE's Solar Energy Technologies Program pursues concentrating solar power R&D to provide clean, reliable, affordable solar thermal electricity for the nation. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Sandia National Laboratories work together as SunLab, a partnership developed by DOE to support R&D within the Concentrating Solar Program.
The program's goal is to ensure that solar thermal technologies such as concentrating solar power make an important contribution to the world's growing need for energy. Visit these sites for more information: