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LCOE Analysis of Tower Concentrating Solar Power Plants Using Different Molten-Salts for Thermal Energy Storage in China

Author

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  • Xiaoru Zhuang

    (School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Xinhai Xu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Wenrui Liu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Wenfu Xu

    (School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China)

Abstract

In recent years, the Chinese government has vigorously promoted the development of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology. For the commercialization of CSP technology, economically competitive costs of electricity generation is one of the major obstacles. However, studies of electricity generation cost analysis for CSP systems in China, particularly for the tower systems, are quite limited. This paper conducts an economic analysis by applying a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) model for 100 MW tower CSP plants in five locations in China with four different molten-salts for thermal energy storage (TES). The results show that it is inappropriate to build a tower CSP plant nearby Shenzhen and Shanghai. The solar salt (NaNO 3 -KNO 3 , 60-40 wt.%) has lower LCOE than the other three new molten-salts. In order to calculate the time when the grid parity would be reached, four scenarios for CSP development roadmap proposed by International Energy Agency (IEA) were considered in this study. It was found that the LCOE of tower CSP would reach the grid parity in the years of 2038–2041 in the case of no future penalties for the CO 2 emissions. This study can provide support information for the Chinese government to formulate incentive policies for the CSP industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoru Zhuang & Xinhai Xu & Wenrui Liu & Wenfu Xu, 2019. "LCOE Analysis of Tower Concentrating Solar Power Plants Using Different Molten-Salts for Thermal Energy Storage in China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:7:p:1394-:d:221821
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    4. Gemma Gasa & Anton Lopez-Roman & Cristina Prieto & Luisa F. Cabeza, 2021. "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Plant in Tower Configuration with and without Thermal Energy Storage (TES)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-20, March.
    5. Alaric Christian Montenon & Costas Papanicolas, 2020. "Economic Assessment of a PV Hybridized Linear Fresnel Collector Supplying Air Conditioning and Electricity for Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-25, December.
    6. Qimei Chen & Yan Wang & Jianhan Zhang & Zhifeng Wang, 2020. "The Knowledge Mapping of Concentrating Solar Power Development Based on Literature Analysis Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-15, April.
    7. Zhang, M. & Yang, X.N., 2021. "Administrative framework barriers to energy storage development in China," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    8. Irving Cruz-Robles & Jorge M. Islas-Samperio & Claudio A. Estrada, 2022. "Levelized Cost of Heat of the CSP th Hybrid Central Tower Technology," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-23, November.
    9. Salmon, Aloïs & Marzo, Aitor & Polo, Jesús & Ballestrín, Jesús & Carra, Elena & Alonso-Montesinos, Joaquín, 2022. "World map of low-layer atmospheric extinction values for solar power tower plants projects," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(P1), pages 876-888.
    10. Catalina Hernández & Rodrigo Barraza & Alejandro Saez & Mercedes Ibarra & Danilo Estay, 2020. "Potential Map for the Installation of Concentrated Solar Power Towers in Chile," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-15, April.
    11. Krzysztof Zamasz & Radosław Kapłan & Przemysław Kaszyński & Piotr W. Saługa, 2020. "An Analysis of Support Mechanisms for New CHPs: The Case of Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-18, October.

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