Comments on: World's Largest Concentrating Solar Power Plant to Come Up in Abu Dhabi

By: David Zhao

David Zhao — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 03:17:13 +0000

Hi, everybody,
I’m the managing director of Huabao Asia Development Ltd. Hong Kong, an investment company based in Suzhou, China. Zhendan Photovoltaic Technology Company, one of Huabao’s directors, hopes to join hands in partnership with firms based in the Middle East. Quick response and contact will be highly appreciated.

David

By: Ottawa Solar Power

Ottawa Solar Power — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:56:21 +0000

The fact is that solar energy is becoming increasingly cost effective. There have been many advancements in the technology recently that make it a viable option. It is clear, in light of the recent oil crisis with BP, that it is necessary for us to actively pursue alternative energy sources. Whether or not the plan is perfect, it is a step in the right direction.

By: Robert Sternberg

Robert Sternberg — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:41:47 +0000

Hi Mridul, i am with an executive search firm based in Dubai, U.A.E.. I am currently searching for a Project Manager for one of the top engineering consultancies having global presence. A Project Manager that has experience with CSP.

Being new to the solar industry, particularly Concentrating Solar Power, i would like to ask for your advise regarding companies that excel is CSP. I have read in articles that CSP is not just a solar technology that can be applied anywhere but has criterias to make the CSP project a viable one.

I am aware that Spain and the U.S. are the top countries that invests in CSP projects. In your opinion, does Asia invests on CSP heavily as well or are they more into PV ? Best regards.

By: Mridul Chadha

Mridul Chadha — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:40:44 +0000

And what about the security threats, waste management, danger of toxic spills and the scarce fuel add to that the strategic mess it could create for the whole region. You will have no such problems with the solar power plant. Even the developed countries like the US, UK and France are struggling to manage the nuclear waste.

By: Sven

Sven — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 04:02:56 +0000

“They’re not short of space in the desert”

Do you really think that’s a legit reason to ignore the HUGE difference in energy per square meter compared to nuclear energy?

It is possible to turn desert back into productive land that is able to support trees that would actually do something to correct any carbon problems we may have. But instead, you would rather support this silly technology that won’t put any kind of dent in carbon emissions with it’s minuscule energy production.

Keep up the good work.

By: John B

John B — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:46:16 +0000

I fail to see why it wouldn’t be cost effective to STORE the heat over night and during the few cloudy days they have. They could skip the cost of the gas plant and put it towards heat storage; the temp at night or a cloudy day is likely still hot enough to make insulated hot oil tanks possible.

By: DavidCG

DavidCG — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:44:50 +0000

@Rod Adams,

You’re missing the obvious: power draw in hot climates is primarily during the day for air conditioning.

Also, the technology already exists to have 24 hour solar thermal electricity: http://www.beyondzeroemissions.org/media/releases/solar-power-all-through-night-100202

And the cost trajectory for all renewable energy is rapidly down – the opposite of nuclear. That might explain why French nuclear firm, Areva is investing in solar thermal: http://climateprogress.org/2010/02/16/french-nuclear-giant-areva-buys-ausra-concentrated-solar-thermal-power-market-csp/

> …covers a larger area…

They’re not short of space in the desert.

By: Ben

Ben — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:49:44 +0000

Small mistake in the article:

“2.5 square meters ( one square mile)”

Also, Is the plant close to the ocean? do you know if they will be using it to convert salt water to fresh water? This process can be done for “free” with concentrated solar plants and Abu Dhabi uses quite a lot of energy in desalination plants.

By: Bill Woods

Bill Woods — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:20:04 +0000

“span 2.5 square meters ( one square mile).” should be

‘span 2.5 square kilometers (one square mile).’

$600 M/100 MW(peak) ~ $18/W(average)

I guess burning gas to get useful power beats simply flaring it off.

By: Rod Adams

Rod Adams — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:51:53 +0000

PS – here are a couple of links to articles describing the UAE’s nuclear decision:

http://djysrv.blogspot.com/2010/05/uae-picks-sites-to-build-four-reactors.html

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN_UAE_has_its_first_nuclear_site_2304102.html