Application of Solar Thermal Energy in Industry

Solar energy has been utilized for industrial applications in Europe for many years, with most regions providing adequate insolation for hot water generation or electricity generation via photovoltaics. However, several technical challenges exist to application to higher temperature processes, with few proven cases delivering process heat at greater than 200 oC. As industry, and society in general, drives towards net zero, new technologies are required to both deliver and store carbon-free process heat in this higher temperature range.

This paper introduces the challenges of this and some of the potential solutions being delivered by the ASTEP Horizon Europe project. Within ASTEP two demonstrations of the technology are being implemented. One project, at a Greek dairy, uses the solar thermal energy, via a phase change material (PCM) store to provide heat for unit operations and to drive absorption chillers. The second installation is at a steelworks in Romania, at a relatively high latitude of 47.1N, where preheating of tubes in a coating line will be practiced.