Long-Term Strategic Plan for Development of Solar Thermal Electric Technology

Solar thermal electric (STE) technologies--parabolic troughs, power towers, and dish/engine systems--can convert sunlight into electricity efficiently and with minimum effect on the environment. These technologies currently range from developmental to early commercial stages of maturity. This document summarizes the results of a recent strategic planning effort conducted by the U.S. Department ofEnergy (DOE) to develop a long-term strategy for the development of STE technologeis (DOE, 1996). The planning team led by DOE included representatives from the solar thermal industry, domestic utilities, state energy offices, and SunLab (the cooperative Sandia National Laboratories/National Renewable Energy Laboratory partnership that supports the STE program) as well as project developers. Theplan was aimed at identifying specific activities necessary to achieve the DOE vision of 20 gigawatts of installed STE capacity by the year 2000. The details of the five strategies developed by the planning team are discussed.