Port Augusta Solar Thermal Feasibility Study
- $408k Funded by ARENA
- $1.04m Total project cost
Summary
This project focused on the pre-feasibility work needed to assess the viability of a stand-alone solar thermal plant using ‘power tower’ technology that would see a field of mirrors concentrate light into a central receiver at the top of a tower. The high temperatures generated by power tower technology make it most compatible with molten-salt storage.
It was ultimately determined that the proposed project would not be commercially viable.
Need
In late 2011 Alinta Energy began to assess potential solar thermal opportunities in regional South Australia (SA). Its Solar Concept Study concluded that SA is a high-quality location for solar thermal energy, and that stand-alone concentrated solar power could be feasible.
Alinta then commissioned Parsons Brinckerhoff in 2014 to examine the available solar thermal technologies and potential locations for a solar thermal power plant in SA. The consultants found that a 50MW solar thermal plant near Port Augusta’s existing power stations was technically feasible.
Learn more
Report: Port Augusta Solar Thermal Generation Feasibility Study Project Definitions
A report that provides a summary of the technological feasibility of solar thermal power generation, including hybridised and standalone options, for Port Augusta.
Report: Port Augusta Solar Thermal Generation Feasibility Study Options Study
A report on the options for six types of solar thermal technologies to be installed at or near Alinta’s Augusta Power Station, including solar resource and cost assessments.
Report: Port Augusta Solar Thermal Generation Feasibility Study Milestone 2 Summary
A report covering the Siting and Options Study key findings and progress.
Media Release: ARENA Commits $1 Million for Solar Thermal Study in South Australia
ARENA announced it would partner with natural gas and electricity provider, Alinta, and the South Australian Government to undertake a $2.3 million study into solar thermal power generation at Port Augusta.
Project innovation
The Port Augusta Solar Thermal Feasibility project focused on the pre-feasibility work needed to assess the viability of a stand-alone solar thermal plant using ‘power tower’ technology that would see a field of mirrors concentrate light into a central receiver at the top of a tower. The high temperatures generated by power tower technology make it most compatible with molten-salt storage, which would enable power to be dispatched when required.
A stand alone 50MW plant option was favoured over hybridising existing coal-fired plants due to the lower technology risks and the capability to operate over a longer life cycle.
Alinta favoured a site located to the south-east of the Port Augusta Power Station, big enough for the large array of mirrors, while benefiting from close proximity to a grid-connection point.
The project was ultimately determined to be technically feasible but not commercially viable due to high capital costs. As a result it was decided not to progress the study further.
Benefit
The feasibility study provided important technical and commercial knowledge for the industry as well as information for the Port Augusta community on how similar projects may be developed.
