Concentrated solar power hybrid plants, which technologies are best suited for hybridisation?

This assessment aims to identify the most suitable concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies to hybridize with Rankine cycle power plants using conventional fuels, such as gas and coal, as well as non-conventional fuels, namely biomass and waste materials. The results derive from quantitative data, such as literature, industry information and own calculations, as well as qualitative data from an expert workshop. To incorporate the variety of technology criteria, quantitative and qualitative data the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used as the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) tool. Only CSP technologies able to directly or indirectly generate steam are compared in regards to feasibility, risk, environmental impact and Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE). Different sub-criteria are chosen to consider the most relevant aspects. The study focuses on the suitability of CSP technologies for hybridisation and results obtained are reality checked by comparison with plants already being built/under construction. The results of this assessment are time dependant and may change with new CSP technologies maturing and prices decreasing in the future.