In the heart of Sydney, a global gathering of solar energy pioneers convened to chart the future of concentrating solar power (CSP) and its transformative potential for the energy sector. The 29th International Conference on Concentrating Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems, better known as SolarPACES 2023, brought together over 350 participants from 27 countries, all eager to explore the latest advancements and commercial opportunities in this burgeoning field.
The conference, chaired by Wesley Stein of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), showcased a symbiotic relationship between cutting-edge research and commercial deployment. Stein emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “This year’s conference lived up to expectations, highlighting the exciting advances in state-of-the-art commercial deployment and next-generation research and development.”
One of the standout features of the conference was the technical visit to CSIRO’s National Solar Energy Centre in Newcastle. This state-of-the-art facility, equipped with two research-level solar towers, has been a hub for innovation since its inception in 2006. Attendees were treated to a glimpse of the latest in falling particle and sodium receivers, as well as advanced heliostats and control systems. The tour culminated in a picturesque lunch overlooking a nearby beach, complete with a whale-watching spectacle.
Australia, with its ambitious targets of 82% renewable electricity and a 43% reduction in 2005 GHG emissions by 2030, is poised to leverage its high direct normal solar irradiance (DNI) and status as a top energy exporter. CSP, with its inherent thermal storage capabilities, is set to play a pivotal role in achieving these goals, especially as the country phases out coal-fired power plants.
The conference delved into various critical areas, including the use of solar thermal and storage for industrial process heat and the production of sustainable aviation fuels and chemicals, such as hydrogen. These sectors, traditionally difficult to decarbonize, are ripe for disruption by CSP technologies.
Over five days, attendees experienced a rich tapestry of 199 oral presentations and 157 posters, coordinated by international experts across 14 technical tracks. Plenary sessions featured leading experts discussing energy storage, Australian and global markets for CSP technologies, and the future of fuels and industrial decarbonization.
The event, published in the SolarPACES Conference Proceedings, also known as the International Conference Proceedings on Concentrating Solar Power and Chemical Energy Systems, underscored the potential of CSP to revolutionize the energy landscape. As the world seeks sustainable and reliable energy solutions, the insights and innovations shared at SolarPACES 2023 are poised to shape the future of the energy sector, driving commercial impacts and fostering a cleaner, more resilient energy ecosystem.
