American plans to build large-scale solar thermal plants near coal-fired power stations should be duplicated in Australia says a local renewable energy industry figure.
Max Sylvester, of solar energy systems company, Energy Matters, said that a number of US coal plant operators are in talks with German manufacturers to supply concentrated solar thermal devices which would offset fuel use from the coal power stations.
“Solar power could be harnessed to assist in the minimisation of CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations, bringing a renewable energy solution to a fossil fuel problem,” Mr Sylvester said.
Solar thermal power plants produce electricity by using arrays of mirrors to concentrate sunlight into parabolic collectors, making steam which in turn powers turbines.
“The feasibility of the US plan depends on high levels of solar radiation, something Australia has in world-record quantities,” Mr Sylvester said. “Given that we have such vast stretches of sun-parched territory in this country, often in coal belt areas, it makes sense to bring renewable energy in the form of solar power into that mix and minimise the damage to our environment.”
Emissions from coal-fired power generation are Australia’s biggest cause of greenhouse pollution. The New South Wales state government plans to build two new coal-fired power stations and expand a third. A Greenpeace report released in May this year stated the up to 12 new coal power plants are planned around the country.
The International Energy Agency has found that renewable energy like household solar power systems and solar thermal power plants are competitive with traditional forms of power generation in the sunniest parts of the world, but a lack of financing is holding back investment in concentrated solar technologies.
