Delivering industrial heat with concentrated solar
Solar concentration is well-suited to industrial heating because it can produce high-temperature thermal energy directly on site. Industries such as food processing, chemicals, mining, pulp and paper, and desalination often require steady high-temperature heat, which CSP systems can provide.
Modes of supplying industrial heat:
- Direct heat: Concentrators can heat fluids or air directly to the temperatures needed for processes such as drying, pasteurization, or sterilization.
- Steam production: Concentrated sunlight generates steam for turbines or process heating, fitting into existing steam-based industrial systems.
- High-temperature processes: Towers and dishes that reach high temperatures can support chemical reactions, metal processing, or feedstock heating.
Integration approaches:
- Hybridization: CSP can supplement or partially replace fossil fuel boilers, reducing emissions while maintaining reliability.
- Thermal storage: On-site storage smooths variability and ensures continuous heat supply during cloudy periods or at night.
- Heat networks: Concentrated solar systems can serve multiple industrial users through district heating loops.
Benefits and considerations:
- Emissions reduction: Replacing fossil heat lowers greenhouse gas emissions and often improves local air quality.
- Economic match: Sites with continuous or predictable thermal demand benefit more from CSP investment.
- Space and DNI needs: Adequate direct sunlight and land availability are required for economically viable installations.
In short, CSP provides a practical route to decarbonize industrial heat where high temperatures and continuous availability are needed, especially when paired with storage and process integration strategies.