Imagine a giant mirror system that collects sunlight to heat air, which then powers a turbine. Instead of wasting energy when the sun is too bright or demand is low, the system squeezes that air into tanks like a giant battery. When the grid needs power, it releases the air to generate electricity, making solar energy available even at night.
Renewable energy like wind and solar is non-dispatchable, meaning it produces power when the weather allows, not necessarily when the grid needs it. This creates instability and price volatility in energy markets.
A hybrid CSP-CAES power plant prototype including a high-efficiency solar receiver, AI-based flux control, and optimized compressors/expanders.
If you are a grid operator dealing with unstable power from wind and solar—this project developed a hybrid CSP-CAES plant that stores excess energy during low-price periods and dispatches it during high-demand hours. This allows for a more stable 100% renewable energy system.
If you are a desalination company dealing with high energy costs for water purification—this project developed an integrated system that uses solar thermal energy and stored air to power reverse osmosis desalination. This creates a more cost-effective way to produce fresh water.
If you are a factory dealing with expensive industrial heating costs—this project developed a plant that produces both electrical and thermal energy, including process heat supply. This allows you to replace fossil fuel heating with stored solar thermal energy.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project focuses on techno-economic optimization to ensure the solution is competitive compared to state-of-the-art CSP.
The concept is being validated with a demonstration scale prototype of up to 480 kWth.
Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of licensing terms, though it involves a consortium of 17 partners including 10 industry players.
The system uses a hybrid CSP-CAES combined cycle to store energy during low-demand periods and dispatch it during high-price periods to stabilize the grid.
The project runs from 2023-10-01 to 2027-09-30, targeting a TRL of 6-7 by the end of the period.
The project features a strong commercial orientation with 17 partners, where 59% are from industry (10 companies). The presence of 6 SMEs suggests a focus on agile innovation and specialized component manufacturing, while the 10-country spread indicates a broad European market validation strategy.
Contact FUNDACION CENER in Spain for technical specifications on the 480 kWth prototype.
Contact us to connect with the ASTERIx-CAESar consortium for pilot integration opportunities.
