Industrial uses for concentrated solar thermal energy
Concentrated solar heat can supply a range of industrial processes that require medium to high temperatures. Because thermal energy can be stored and dispatched, it suits continuous or batch industrial operations seeking to reduce fossil fuel use.
Common industrial applications:
- Steam generation for turbines and process heating: medium temperatures for power or sterile steam.
- Food processing and drying: steady, controllable heat for dehydration and pasteurization.
- Chemical processes: reactions and distillation that require elevated temperature inputs.
- Mining and mineral processing: roasting, calcination, or leaching steps benefit from concentrated heat.
- Desalination: thermal desalination technologies can use concentrated solar heat for evaporation.
Benefits to industry:
- Reduced fuel costs and emissions when replacing fossil-fired heat.
- Improved energy independence and potential for predictable costs with storage.
- Scalability: systems can be sized for specific process heat loads.
Feasibility depends on required temperatures, site DNI, and integration costs. Where processes need continuous heat, pairing concentrators with thermal storage or hybridizing with backup boilers offers practical, reliable operation.