Concentrating solar power best practices

Abstract This chapter provides key highlights of the Concentrating Solar Power Best Practices Study, published in 2020 by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory ( Mehos et al., 2020 ). Focusing on parabolic trough and central receiver concentrating solar power (CSP) plants, the study gathered, categorized, and ranked issues encountered by a group of stakeholders representing key players in nearly 80% of CSP plants worldwide. This chapter provides key best practices to be considered in the areas of parabolic trough plants; central receiver plants; steam generation systems; engineering, procurement, and construction; quality assurance/quality control; commissioning; operation and maintenance; and solar resource measurement and performance modeling. Apart from the challenges of the steam generation system, trough plants have mostly operated with high availability, although the maintenance of certain components continues to challenge plant operators. Central receiver technologies are less mature, and the reliability of these systems is less demonstrated than in trough systems; the primary challenges are associated with salt-related systems. An unanticipated outcome is the extent to which non-technology project issues were challenges faced prior to the actual operation of the plant.