CSP assessment tools released in Australia
Australian Resources and Energy Minister Gary Gray has launched new online tools supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency that will help researchers, developers and financiers assess the commercial prospects of Concentrating Solar Thermal power projects in Australia.
"Concentrating solar thermal systems have the potential to play a significant role in future electricity networks as they can store energy, which means clean energy can be dispatched to homes and businesses at anytime of the day or night," Mr Gray said.
"Through ARENA, the Government is investing in technologies and projects that will increase the use of renewable energy in Australia.
"These new tools "“ which will optimise an industry-leading United States model for Australian conditions "“ will make it easier for developers and financiers to assess the commercial viability of concentrating solar thermal projects."
The System Advisor Model (SAM) was developed by the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and adapted for Australian conditions by the Australian Solar Thermal Energy Association (AUSTELA) through a $73,500 ARENA investment.
It provides information that can help a developer make an assessment of a proposed site's suitability, the economic performance of the system and the financial viability of the project.
"This type of analysis is critical to attracting investors and will help pave the way for the energy industry and the finance sector to deploy concentrating solar thermal technologies in Australia," Mr Gray said.
AUSTELA commissioned IT Power Australia to lead the project and work with NREL researchers to adapt the internationally recognised SAM to suit Australian market and weather conditions.
ARENA is a $3 billion Government-funded organisation. It is working with industry to improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia.
