Base-load solar thermal power using thermochemical energy storage

Using a closed-loop thermochemical system based on the reversible ammonia reaction is one of the possible ways for building solar thermal power systems capable of providing electricity on a 24-hour basis without the need for any fossil fuel back-up. In a collaborative effort between industrial and academic partners from Australia, Switzerland, Germany and Malaysia, a study was undertaken to examine the techno-economic viability of this solar concept by formulating a preliminary design for a hypothetical 10 MWe demonstration system in Central Australia. It was found that a carefully designed demonstration solar power plant, which dominantly uses proven and standard materials, components and technologies, is likely to cost of the order of AUD 157 million and operate with a net solar-to-electric conversion efficiency of 18% and a capacity factor of 80%. This will result in levelised electricity costs (LEC) of about AUD 0.24 per kWh(e).