South Africa's Eskom trials 'solar gold' technologies

Eskom, South Africa's state power utility, will study the parabolic trough and central receiver photovoltaic technologies. Eskom will evaluate the system's viability as a cost-effective option for stand-alone, non-grid operations to provide power to rural locations not reached by the national grid. If the technical, financial and feasibility analyses are positive and competitive, the construction will begin in the year 2004 with the plant being commissioned in the year 2005.