Australia builds concentrated solar thermal power generation system

Australia builds solar concentrating thermal power generation system. CSIRO began installing 450 large reflectors, also known as heliostats, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia in early November 2010, building the largest solar thermal tower power generation system in Australia. These heliostats are part of the advanced new solar technology developed by CSIRO and manufactured by Central Coast Company.

By developing this technology, CSIRO aims to make solar electricity the same or cheaper than electricity from fossil fuels when the cost of carbon is factored in.

Glass heliostats are 2.4 x 1.8 meter panels, and the glass needs to be made into a concave shape to form a highly precise reflection point and to withstand extreme weather events. Heliostats can concentrate sunlight and form temperatures of up to 1000°C through reflection.