Base-load solar thermal power using thermochemical energy storage

Using a closed-loop thermochemical system based on the reversible ammonia r eaction is one of the possible ways for building solar thermal power system s capable of providing electricity on a 24-hour basis without the need for any fossil fuel back-up. In a collaborative effort between industrial and a cademic partners from Australia, Switzerland, Germany and Malaysia, a study was undertaken to examine the techno-economic viability of this solar conc ept by formulating a preliminary design for a hypothetical 10 MWe demonstra tion system in Central Australia. It was found that a carefully designed de monstration solar power plant, which dominantly uses proven and standard ma terials, components and technologies, is likely to cost of the order of AUD 157 million and operate with a net solar-to-electric conversion efficiency of 18% and a capacity factor of 80%. This will result in levelised electri city costs (LEC) of about AUD 0.24 per kWh(e).