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Progress
and Funding
Solar Heat and
Power is continuing with the development of the CLFR project in
Australia, and has built a full size 300‑m long line as the first of
three in a 15‑MWth project stage. The technology now uses larger
2.25‑m‑wide mirrors but only 10 instead of the former 12 in Stage 1.
The receiver design is largely unchanged. Steam generation tests have
begun and will be completed in May. The project will be connected to the
adjacent coal fired plant later in 2007.
First 300 m line being erected.
Completed line in place.
SHP Australia
has transferred its shareholding to a new company called Ausra Inc.
based in Palo Alto, California. Ausra has received generous funding
from Silicon Valley sources for projects and R&D. The basic CLFR is
being significantly improved for the first US plants, and the new
design, currently confidential, is being installed after mid-2007.
Ausra will produce its own efficient selective coatings for the next
generation of solar projects, and is developing thermal storage based
upon steam and pressurized water; this is expected to be commercialized
in 2008. Other technical developments are underway. |
