CLFR Coal Saver Project

Contact

• Dr. David Mills, Peter Le Lièvre, Solar Heat and Power Pty Ltd.

Participants

• Solar Heat and Power Pty Ltd

• Macquarie Generation

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.