Green | June 08, 2008 | 19 comments

Concentrated solar power has a bright future

source: http://www.enn.com/business/article/37320

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jefftego
Concentrated solar power (CSP) has better prospects than wind when it comes to renewable energy investment, according to a leading investor in the sector.

CSP involves using mirrors to focus the heat from the sun onto water-filled tubes, turning the water into steam that drives turbines. The technology is easily combined with a gas or biomass-fired plant to provide electricity day and night. So far, CSP is only responsible for around 400MW of electricity generating capacity worldwide, but this is rising fast.

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    Green,   Earth and Science,   Current News UK,   Current News US
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19 comments // Concentrated solar power has a bright future

  • echoz
    • 0
      echoz  

    • these are the kinds of things corporate taxes should subsidize/support. And if a corporation doesn't want to improve conditions in the U.S. they should fuck off somewhere else.

    • 3 years ago
  • rebecca22
    • 0
      rebecca22  
    • Image

    • Yes, it is true! And I completely agree, but sell it to the government! They are currently working on schools throughout England in that they will refurbish or rebuild all schools by the end of the next decade. And 200 hundred of these schools are meant to be working toward a carbon nuetral scheme with renewable energies. These phase 2 buildings can have some financial aid depending on the energy...... for example up to 60% of solar panel installation. However, where will the remaining 40% come from?

      Some brilliant ideas in the right direction, but incredibly difficult to cultivate in the real world! Considering our 'credit crunch' issue! It shouldn't be a choice, and accounted for, in an ideal world. So many problems are dusted over and 'solved' as far as environmental issues are concerned with temporary small solutions. Such as, planting trees on site, and a little paper recycling.

      Until services such as these are either made easier or cheaper to install (as well as with many waste issues) by councils and local authorities, businesses and people will not see it as a feasible option, especially in the present climate!

    • 3 years ago
  • jubal
  • covelogibbs
    • 0
      covelogibbs  

    • Yes, solar requires a lot up front, but it does become cost effective.

      When you compare the repayment period of a solar project such as this with the repayment period of a nuclear power plant, there is, well, no comparison.

      Nuclear plants aren't cost effective and ground isn't even broken without billions in subsidies.Future generations will continue to pay for the costs of cleaning up and storing nuclear waste, virtually forever.

      We have the technology to do what is right, what we need is the vision and political will power to make it happen. The corporate influence is so strong, that this will not be an easy task, but "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Let's take the first step together as a nation, and say yes to alternative energies such as concentrated solar power and no to nuclear power.

    • 3 years ago
  • twodee
    • 0
      twodee  

    • concern about the repayment period is often and simply a selfish concern. Look around at how many overblown multi-million dollar homes have nothing sustainable outside of a few energy star appliances. This old notion that a payback period is important has only to do with a persons personal wealth and the priceless payback the Earth would provide if they could get their heads around something greater than their own wallet. For those who flat out cannot afford solar energy I don't think they are thinking about the payback period. They are more likely thinking about staying warm and eating.

    • 3 years ago
  • echoz
  • echoz
    • 0
      echoz  
    • twodee:

      One of my favorite songs =D that I LOVE to post =P hehehe

      "Don't you know?
      Monaaayyyy....the root of all evil
      'll do funay, FUNnay thangs to ya
      Give me a nickel,
      Brother can you spare a dime...
      Money will drive some people straight
      outta their minds!

      ...I say
      Listen up!...

      People love their money Don't let money fool ya!
      Don't ya live, dontcha live, dontcha live for monayyy!
      People love their monay!
      ...Don't let money rule ya!"

    • 3 years ago
  • twodee
    • 0
      twodee  
    • twodee:

      plusaf, It's only money. my point. It is only money. I am not into forcing anyone to do anything. and not all rich people are guilty of greed. They simply have money...born into it...made good choices...whatever. BUT... For those who are so selfish that they would rather make there money on the suffering of people and planet, I have very little patience. When these people have enough money to live on and the rest is gravy I prefer to hope that these people will learn to see beyond themselves with their good fortune and know what it is like to pick someone up from darkness and motivate others to do the same. If they remain motivated by fast and bigger return on money when the wealth they have already established is very sound I would submit that they are the thorn in the flesh of less fortunate. That sounds like a bad thing to me.

    • 3 years ago
  • jubal
    • 0
      jubal  
    • twodee:

      Plusaf, perhaps government regulation would be in order and say cap the amount of these compensation packages to a certain percentage higher than what the lowest earning individual in the corporation makes.

      Another idea I thought of is if we are going to treat America as a giant corporate conglomerate, I want my shares; and pronto.

      All Americans citizens should be stockholders in America Inc.

    • 3 years ago
  • rosyjane
    • 0
      rosyjane  

    • According to the Geological phase of countries, many nation does not need to have Solar concentrated power due to the changes of the environment.

      Seasonal strategies focused mainly to what companies development....

      Specifically, here in the Philippines, thee are two season... Rainy and Sunny days.... but in other countries, there are four season.... Autumn, Winter, Spring and Sunny Days....

    • 3 years ago
  • rebecca22
    • 0
      rebecca22  

    • The problem with renewable energy that puts so many off, is the repayment period, when it comes to initial costing, the prices are high........it can take meny years for it to bcome cost effective. But when it does.......the benefits are massive.

      New and developing technologies in the renewable energy sector are so important not only for our environment but considering the issues in the economy.......a sustainable means of producing energy is needed.

    • 3 years ago
  • ipodrulz
  • diode
  • observer2121
    • 0
      observer2121  

    • The tubes are not filled with water but instead a synthetic oil that is pumped through water tanks turning the water into steam that turns the turbines. They have these in the Majave desert, built back in the 80s.

    • 3 years ago
  • cerealforeal
  • Johnny500
    • 0
      Johnny500  

    • Here's the company that will make solar feasible. Take some time and watch Stanford Ovshinsky, he's old, but as revolutionary as Edison.

    • 3 years ago
  • jefftego
  • shroomfairy
  • Burns4ANewWorld
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