Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/74392
Year of Publication: 
2011
Series/Report no.: 
EWI Working Paper No. 11/08
Publisher: 
Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (EWI), Köln
Abstract: 
In this article we analyze the value of thermal energy storages in concentrated solar plants depending on the electricity generation mix. To determine the value from a system integrated view we model the whole electricty generation market of the Iberian Peninsula. Key findings for thermal energy storage units in concentrated solar plants include an increasing value in electricity systems with higher shares of fluctuating renewable generation and a potentially significant role in a transformation to a primarily renewable based electricity system. Due to the relatively high investment costs concentrated solar power plants with or without thermal energy storages are not cost efficient in todays electricity markets. However, expected cost reductions due to learning curve effects and higher fluctuating renewable generation may lead to a comparative cost advantage of concentrated solar power plants with thermal energy storages compared to other renewable technologies.
Subjects: 
Fluctuating renewables
value of storage
concentrated solar power
power plant optimization
JEL: 
C61
Q40
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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