Masdar to research advanced concentrating solar power design

20 January 2010


Abu Dhabi-based Masdar has launched a project to research and develop an advanced concentrated solar power technology based on an innovative ‘beam down’ tower design.

The company has teamed up with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Japan’s Cosmo Oil Company and the Tokyo Institute of Technology to test the technology, which it believes represents a significant breakthrough in CSP design.

According to Masdar, beam down technology has the potential to convert solar irradiation into electricity in a more efficient way compared to other CSP technologies. The research agreement is the latest component of an ongoing effort by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to position itself as a global leader in the renewable energy technology field.

“Solar thermal technology is a key research area for Masdar, and we are committed to working together with our partners to advance these technologies even further,” said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Chief Executive of Masdar. “Our strategic partnership with Cosmo Oil and the Tokyo Institute of Technology enables us to explore innovative procedures or the improvement and efficiency of solar thermal energy production.”

The ‘beam down’ process inverts conventional tower solar tower technologies, which use mirrors to direct the sun’s rays onto a receiver at the top of a central tower to heat a fluid and generate steam that is then used to drive a steam turbine. By placing the receiver at the base of the tower, Masdar’s research team believes that it can reduce energy losses resulting from pumping the fluid to an elevated receiver, raising operational efficiency and lowering electricity generation costs.

“The initial project findings have been very positive and if the results continue to be successful, ‘beam down’ technology has the potential to revolutionise the way in which all solar towers are built in the future.”




Linkedin Linkedin   
Privacy Policy
We have updated our privacy policy. In the latest update it explains what cookies are and how we use them on our site. To learn more about cookies and their benefits, please view our privacy policy. Please be aware that parts of this site will not function correctly if you disable cookies. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.