Maties project receives R28m
International recognition for Solar Thermal Energy Research Group
STELLENBOSCH University’s Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (Sterg) has received international recognition and more than R28 million for their research excellence and standing within the concentrating solar power (CSP) community.
Sterg has, as a consortium member, selected to receive the award from the US Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (Seto).
The consortium is led by SolarReserve, a worldwide developer of large-scale solar power projects and advanced solar thermal technology.
SolarReserve is a investor and technology provider to the South African Redstone CSP project.
The third consortium partner is the US-based Sandia National Laboratories, offering the state-of-the-art CSP testing facilities at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility, operated by Sandia for the US Department of Energy.
Sterg manager Johan van der Spuy said: “Sterg (has) been actively involved in research on the utilisation of solar thermal energy for application in the fields of process heat and electricity generation. This funding creates a unique opportunity for South African researchers and engineers to apply their knowledge in taking part in the development of a next-generation heliostat system.
“Their involvement will build on experience gained during the Helio100 technology innovation project, funded by the Technology Innovation Agency, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology.”
The Seto award supports SolarReserve’s development of a heliostat system that aims to make substantial progress in cost reduction and performance for the concentrating system in a solar power tower, aligned to the timing goals of the Energy Department’s Generation 3 Concentrating Solar Power Systems (Gen3 CSP) programme.
Gen3 CSP projects are working to advance next-generation CSP systems that can operate at higher temperatures in order to store more heat, reducing the cost of CSP systems by increasing the efficiency of the plant.
Since the heliostat field can account for up to 50% of a CSP project’s capital cost, it is a critical component in any cost-reduction initiative.
Sterg co-ordinator Dr Matti Lubkoll said: “Sterg has long held the belief that the key to unlocking the potential of concentrating solar power technologies in the South African context lies in cost reduction of the technology and its components.”