Techno-economic analysis of a 10 MWe solar thermal power plant using ammonia-based thermochemical energy storage

The production of solar thermal power on a continuous, 24-h basis is possib le by applying thermochemical energy storage. An international group of ind ustrial and academic partners is studying such a base-load solar power plan t concept, where the reversible thermo-catalytic ammonia reaction serves as the energy vector between supply and demand. Early results confirm the tec hnical soundness of the concept using conventional technology, equipment an d materials, and indicate also the potential for economic viability. A firs t-of-a-kind, solar-only demonstration power plant with a net capacity of 10 MWe would require a capital investment of the order of AUD 180 million and operate with a net solar-to-electric conversion efficiency of 18% and a ca pacity factor of 80%. This would result in levelised electricity costs of l ess than AUD 0.25 per kWh. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.