In the renewable energy sector, the move from demonstrating new technologies to realizing first-of-a-kind commercial-scale plants (FOAKs) is a critical step in reinvigorating Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) deployment in Europe. To address this challenge, our DISOPED project is pioneering innovative solutions, with a primary focus on proving the viability of cooperation mechanisms outlined in the Renewable Energy Directive.

At the heart of our endeavor lies the cutting-edge technology research and development center known as Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA-CIEMAT), located in Almería, Spain. Established in 1981, PSA-CIEMAT boasts a dedicated team of 135 experts, renowned for their expertise in designing, testing, and qualifying components for CSP systems, as well as modeling, simulation, and control system design.

Our project officially kicked off on February 9, 2023, setting the stage for a groundbreaking journey. The initiative centers on the TCP-100 facility at CIEMAT, serving as the prototype for comprehensive analysis. Given the substantial investment required for CSP FOAKs, estimated between 0.9 - 3.3 billion EUR, our project aims to minimize the risk of failure by simulating all sub-components, including collectors, mirrors, receivers, valves, heat exchangers, steam generators, and various system elements in a software-based digital twin concept. These digital twins, representing CSP and Thermal Energy Storage (THS) components, will be integrated and simulated within an electrical grid network.

This simulation will facilitate operational objectives such as peak shaving and power purchase agreements (PPAs). By adjusting the main design parameters of the CSP plant and the capacities of the digital twin CSP and thermal storage, we intend to validate these objectives comprehensively. Throughout the project, we will tackle open questions related to operation, performance, and the durability of all system elements, striving for bankability under the simulated scenario defined by a Turkish electrical Distribution Operator.

The journey took a significant step forward on September 5, 2023, with a technical tour of CIEMAT's facilities. Dr. Luis J. Yebra leads our project activities, ensuring a seamless integration of modeling and control, experimentation, and the preparation of results and conclusions.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to forge a path toward realizing the full potential of Concentrated Solar Power in Europe.