Overview
DhSP CSP trough is a 50 MW concentrated solar power facility located in China. It uses solar thermal technology to generate renewable electricity for the grid.
DhSP CSP trough is a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant located in China, with a capacity of 50 MW. The facility uses parabolic trough technology to convert solar energy into electricity, contributing to the country's growing renewable energy portfolio. As an operational CSP plant, it plays a role in China's efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The plant operates under China's renewable energy regulatory framework, which includes national feed-in tariffs and renewable portfolio standards aimed at increasing the share of clean energy. CSP technology, while less common than solar PV, offers the advantage of thermal energy storage, enabling dispatchable power generation. The 50 MW scale places it in the medium range for CSP plants globally. Environmentally, the facility supports China's climate goals by displacing carbon emissions from coal-fired power. CSP plants typically have a moderate land-use footprint and can be integrated into arid or semi-arid regions. The plant's location in China's interior benefits from high solar irradiation, making it suitable for solar thermal generation.
Environmental context
The DhSP CSP trough plant is situated in a region of China with high solar irradiation, typical for CSP deployment. CSP technology requires significant land area for solar collector fields, which can impact local ecosystems and land use. However, it produces no direct emissions during operation, contributing to reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The facility's location in an arid or semi-arid area may also involve water usage for cooling, a key environmental consideration for CSP in water-scarce regions.
Frequently asked questions
The DhSP CSP trough plant is located in China, at coordinates approximately 37.355° N, 97.270° E, in a region with high solar irradiation suitable for concentrated solar power.
The plant uses concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, specifically parabolic trough systems, which use mirrors to concentrate sunlight to generate heat and produce electricity via a steam turbine.
The plant has a capacity of 50 megawatts (MW), which can supply renewable electricity to thousands of homes, depending on solar conditions and operational efficiency.
China supports CSP through national feed-in tariffs and renewable portfolio standards, part of its broader policy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and increase non-fossil fuel energy share.
CSP plants produce zero direct emissions during operation, reducing greenhouse gases and air pollutants. They can also integrate thermal storage for dispatchable power, supporting grid stability and renewable integration.