Decade-long growth in concentrating solar power (CSP) systems has resulted in over 5,000 MW of operational capacity today. In just the past few years, the first utility-scale central receiver CSP systems entered commercial operation, including some with integrated thermal energy storage capability. Next-generation central receiver systems are targeting operating temperatures above 700°C, and using a closed Brayton power cycle with supercritical CO2 (sCO2) as the working fluid. These systems intend to deliver greater value through improved operating efficiency, dramatic cost reductions, and improved ability to provide grid benefits.
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) collected utility perspectives on requirements for next-generation CSP technologies through a series of interviews with utility resource planners, technical staff, and renewable program managers. The interviews investigated the utility point of view on market needs, and desired technology attributes and capabilities that would ensure market relevancy. Topics spanned ideal CSP plant size; reliability and availability metrics; ramp rate and startup capabilities; current and future needs for baseload, intermediate, and peaking power; and cost, among others. Findings and insights from the EPRI surveys were used to support development of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Concentrating Solar Power Gen3 Demonstration Roadmap, which is also discussed in this report.