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Embodied energy and emergy analyses of a concentrating solar power (CSP) system

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  • Zhang, Meimei
  • Wang, Zhifeng
  • Xu, Chao
  • Jiang, Hui

Abstract

Although concentrating solar power (CSP) technology has been projected as one of the most promising candidates to replace conventional power plants burning fossil fuels, the potential advantages and disadvantages of the CSP technology have not been thoroughly evaluated. To better understand the performance of the CSP technology, this paper presents an ecological accounting framework based on embodied energy and emergy analyses methods. The analyses are performed for the 1.5MW Dahan solar tower power plant in Beijing, China and different evaluation indices used in the embodied energy and emergy analyses are employed to evaluate the plant performance. Our analysis of the CSP plant are compared with six Italian power plants with different energy sources and an American PV plant, which demonstrates the CSP is the superior technology.

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  • Zhang, Meimei & Wang, Zhifeng & Xu, Chao & Jiang, Hui, 2012. "Embodied energy and emergy analyses of a concentrating solar power (CSP) system," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 232-238.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:42:y:2012:i:c:p:232-238
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2011.11.080
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    22. Hahn Menacho, A.J. & Rodrigues, J.F.D. & Behrens, P., 2022. "A triple bottom line assessment of concentrated solar power generation in China and Europe 2020–2050," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    23. Jafrancesco, D. & Sansoni, P. & Francini, F. & Fontani, D., 2016. "Strategy and criteria to optically design a solar concentration plant," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 1066-1073.
    24. Ren, Siyue & Feng, Xiao, 2021. "Emergy evaluation of ladder hydropower generation systems in the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang River," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 1038-1050.

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