Eskom undertook a prefeasibility study on CSP technologies.  In the first task fourteen CSP technologies and/or variations were identified to be studied further. Information on the technologies were compiled from published literature and where possible from demonstration facilities or operational plants. The technologies were screened in terms of a list of selection criteria. The screen process identified two technologies, solar trough and central receiver technologies as possible near term options to be evaluated further.

The second task comprised the compilation of a typical meteorological year (TMY) data file for a reference site, as well the conducting of a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) for the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, as the most suitable location for possible CSP plants.

Using Upington as a reference site for the plant locations, annual simulation models were developed to predict the performance and costs of the two CSP technologies, identified through the screening process as task 3. Pilot plant designs were developed around 100 MWe systems and optimised to provide the lowest Levelised Energy Cost (LEC) for the location. Long-term cases were also evaluated to provide an indication of the lowest possible energy costs that could be expected with future development.

Eskom also investigated what industry, mainly South African and to some extent international, could supply on a cost-effective basis toward the construction of a solar thermal plant. One of the major findings that emerged was that SA industry was not geared to manufacture troughs for a one-off plant and with no guarantees of further plants industry felt it far to risky to invest in production facilities for a one-off plant. However, it emerged that there were less risks associated with the local manufacture of a central receiver. This influenced Eskom’s decision towards the further investigation into central receiver option.