How can solar tower technology address the issues of water scarcity and land use?

1 Water efficiency

One of the main benefits of solar tower technology is that it can reduce water consumption compared to other forms of power generation. Water is a scarce and valuable resource in many parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, and Australia, where CSP plants are being developed. Solar tower technology can use air-cooling systems instead of water-cooling systems, which can save up to 90% of water compared to conventional steam turbines. Moreover, solar tower technology can also use seawater or brackish water for cooling, which can further conserve freshwater resources.

2 Land optimization

Another advantage of solar tower technology is that it can optimize land use and minimize environmental impacts. Solar tower technology can achieve higher power densities than other forms of CSP, such as parabolic troughs or linear Fresnel reflectors, because it can concentrate more sunlight onto a smaller area. This means that solar tower technology can produce more electricity per unit of land, which can reduce land acquisition costs and land degradation. Furthermore, solar tower technology can also coexist with other land uses, such as agriculture, grazing, or biodiversity conservation, by allowing natural vegetation to grow under the mirrors or by integrating the mirrors with greenhouses or shade structures.

3 Thermal storage

A third benefit of solar tower technology is that it can enhance thermal storage and grid stability. Thermal storage is the ability to store excess heat from the solar receiver and use it later to generate electricity when the sun is not shining. This can increase the reliability and flexibility of solar power and reduce the need for backup fossil fuels or batteries. Solar tower technology can use different types of thermal storage materials, such as molten salts, phase change materials, or solid particles, depending on the temperature and pressure requirements of the receiver and the turbine. Some solar tower plants can store enough heat to operate for up to 24 hours, which can make them competitive with baseload power plants.

4 Cost reduction

A fourth benefit of solar tower technology is that it can lower the cost of solar power and make it more affordable and accessible. Solar tower technology can benefit from economies of scale, learning curves, and technological innovations, which can reduce the capital and operational costs of the plants over time. For example, some of the factors that can lower the cost of solar tower technology include: increasing the size and height of the tower and the receiver, improving the efficiency and durability of the mirrors and the heliostats, developing modular and standardized components and designs, and integrating smart control and optimization systems. Some studies estimate that the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of solar tower technology can drop by 50% by 2030 compared to 2015.

5 Social impact

A fifth benefit of solar tower technology is that it can create positive social impacts and opportunities for local communities and stakeholders. Solar tower technology can generate local jobs and income, especially in rural and remote areas where unemployment and poverty are high. Solar tower technology can also provide access to clean and reliable electricity, which can improve the quality of life and the delivery of essential services, such as health, education, and communication. Additionally, solar tower technology can foster social inclusion and participation, by involving local people in the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of the plants, and by sharing the benefits and responsibilities of the projects.

6 Future prospects

Solar tower technology is a promising and emerging form of renewable energy that has the potential to address some of the most pressing issues of water scarcity and land use in the world. However, solar tower technology also faces some challenges and barriers, such as technical risks, regulatory uncertainties, market competition, and social acceptance. Therefore, solar tower technology needs more research and development, policy support, financial incentives, and public awareness to overcome these obstacles and to achieve its full potential. Some of the areas where solar tower technology can improve and innovate include: increasing the efficiency and performance of the system, reducing the environmental and visual impacts of the plants, exploring new applications and markets, such as desalination, hydrogen production, or industrial process heat, and enhancing the integration and cooperation with other renewable energy sources and grid operators.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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