Solar thermal power generation safety

Can solar thermal power plants be used in sunny countries?

In energy systems in sunny countries that rely on renewable energy sources, solar thermal instead of fossil fuel power plants will be able to supply cost-effective base-load and peak-load electricity at low cost and stabilise the power grids.

Why are solar thermal power plants important?

Since solar thermal power plants can feed their electricity into the power grid even after sunset, they are of particular value for an energy system based on renewable energy sources. Solar thermal power plants are of strategic importance in sunny countries to be able to phase out coal and gas power plants in the future.

Are solar thermal power plants the future of energy?

With approximately six gigawatts of installed capacity worldwide in 2020, solar thermal power plants are still at the beginning of their market introduction, comparable to photovol-taics 15 years ago or wind energy 25 years ago.

What are the risks of working in the solar energy industry?

Workers in the solar energy industry are potentially exposed to a variety of serious hazards, such as arc flashes (which include arc flash burn and blast hazards), electric shock, falls, and thermal burn hazards that can cause injury and death.

Are solar thermal systems harmful to the environment?

Some solar thermal systems use potentially hazardous fluids to transfer heat, and leaks of these materials could be harmful to the environment. U.S. environmental laws regulate the use and disposal of hazardous materials.

Can solar thermal power plants be used without fossil fuels?

The indirect way of converting solar radiation first into thermal energy and only then into electrical power appears cumbersome compared to PV solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity immediately. In fact, that is precisely the value of solar thermal power plants for a future energy system without fossil fuels.