Concentrating solar power hybrid plants – Enabling cost effective synergies.

Abstract: This paper categorises different concentrating solar power (CSP) hybrid options into light, medium and strong hybrids and discusses the combination of CSP with coal, natural gas, biomass and waste materials, geothermal, and wind. The degree of hybridisation depends on the interconnection of the plant components. Light hybrids create only limited synergies, such as the joint use of a substation, and their cost reduction potential is therefore limited, while strong hybrids share major plant components, such as steam turbine and condenser, and can better match their energy output with electricity pricing. The hybridisation options for CSP with different energy sources are plentiful ranging from feedwater heating, reheat steam, live steam to steam superheating with some options better suited for a specific energy source combination than others. The synergies created in hybrid plants can lead to cost reductions of 50%, better energy dispatchability as well as revenue maximisation. Several CSP hybrid studies exist for coal, natural gas and biomass but these are often investigating a specific hybrid concept. This paper considers several options at a higher level and also includes geothermal and wind which is novel. While the paper focuses on Australia the approach taken and concepts discussed are transferable to other countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]