Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Technology and Its Thermal Applications

Chunchao Wu, Yonghong Zhao, Wulin Li, Jianjun Fan, Haixiang Xu, Zhongqian Ling, Dingkun Yuan and Xianyang Zeng ()
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Chunchao Wu: Akesai Kazak Autonomous County Huidong New Energy Co., Ltd., Jiuquan 735000, China
Yonghong Zhao: Akesai Kazak Autonomous County Huidong New Energy Co., Ltd., Jiuquan 735000, China
Wulin Li: Akesai Kazak Autonomous County Huidong New Energy Co., Ltd., Jiuquan 735000, China
Jianjun Fan: Akesai Kazak Autonomous County Huidong New Energy Co., Ltd., Jiuquan 735000, China
Haixiang Xu: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Zhongqian Ling: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Dingkun Yuan: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Xianyang Zeng: College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-33

Abstract: The industrial sector accounts for approximately 65% of global energy consumption, with projections indicating a steady annual increase of 1.2% in energy demand. In the context of growing concerns about climate change and the need for sustainable energy solutions, solar thermal energy has emerged as a promising technology for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. With its ability to provide high-efficiency heat for industrial processes at temperatures ranging from 150 °C to over 500 °C, solar thermal power generation offers significant potential for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of various solar thermal technologies, including parabolic troughs, solar towers, and linear Fresnel reflectors, comparing their effectiveness across different industrial applications such as process heating, desalination, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. For instance, parabolic trough systems have demonstrated optimal performance in high-temperature applications, achieving efficiency levels up to 80% for steam generation, while solar towers are particularly suitable for large-scale, high-temperature operations, reaching temperatures above 1000 °C. The paper also evaluates the economic feasibility of these technologies, showing that solar thermal systems can achieve a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of USD 60–100 per MWh, making them competitive with conventional energy sources in many regions. However, challenges such as high initial investment, intermittency of solar resource, and integration into existing industrial infrastructure remain significant barriers. This review not only discusses the technical principles and economic aspects of solar thermal power generation but also outlines specific recommendations for enhancing the scalability and industrial applicability of these technologies in the near future.

Keywords: concentrated solar thermal (CST); solar thermal energy; industrial heat; thermal energy storage; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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