Technology Selection: Molten Salt Thermal Storage -- Heating Up, Though Challenges Remain

Technology Selection: Molten Salt Thermal Storage -- Heating Up, Though Challenges Remain published by IDC Energy Insights in December, 2009. This report consists of Pages: 11 and the price starts from US $ 4500.

Introduction

Abstract

This IDC Energy Insights report explores the technological feasibility and cost-effectiveness of integrating molten salt thermal storage into CSP system installations. To this end, various solar thermal technology systems are examined in relationship to their ability to store energy in molten salt. Molten salt thermal energy storage is an emerging technology that holds out the promise to provide a means to transform intermittent solar energy into a baseload power supply. Significant challenges, however, remain standing in the way of widespread molten salt systems rollout. Chief among them is the up-front capital costs of such systems, which, although favorable in comparison with other energy storage technology options, still present a considerable economic difficulty. Additionally, molten salt systems are too often paired with low-temperature parabolic trough plants, which makes the systems more expensive and less efficient in comparison with power tower plants. Finally, the raw material (nitrate salts) could present supply chain disruption problems as solar thermal plants are built out in a large scale.

According to Sam Jaffe, senior research analyst, IDC Energy Insights, "Molten salt energy storage systems for CSP is a potential game-changing technology. However, numerous economic and technical challenges must still be addressed before the technology can flourish."

Table of Contents

• Energy Insights Opinion
• In This Report
• Situation Overview
• Introduction: Why Thermal Storage?
• Molten Salt: The Leading Candidate for Thermal Storage
• Molten Salt in Comparison with Other Forms of Energy Storage
• Nitrate Salts: The Supply Chain as a Potential Disruptive Force in Future Development
• Molten Salt in Different Solar Thermal Systems
• Future Outlook
• Essential Guidance
• Actions to Consider
• Learn More
• Related Research
• Synopsis
• Table: Comparison of Energy Storage Systems
• Table: Molten Salt Storage Projects in Operation and Under Development
• Figure: Molten Salt Solar Thermal Energy Storage System Operation

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