The Gemasolar Solar Plant Works Through the Night
Omar Yusuf — October 6, 2011 — Eco
References: zawya & euronews.net
Diplomats representing Spain, Abu Dhabi and France gathered on an elevated, arid clearing outside Seville, Spain in order to celebrate today's ceremonial opening of Gemasolar, the world's first power station capable of working through the graveyard shift.
An array of almost 2,600 high-threshold mirrors have been organized in the clearing, all directed at the Gemasolar focal point. The redirected light is used to create superheated liquid salt, which allows the solar plant to operate through southern Andalusia's typical 15 hours of darkness. The installation is the first of its kind in Europe and represents a co-operative business venture betwixt Spain and the United Arab Emirates. With enough harvested solar energy to maintain a city of 100,000, it's no surprise that Gemasolar's inauguration was attended by both Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan as well as King Juan Carlos of Spain.
An array of almost 2,600 high-threshold mirrors have been organized in the clearing, all directed at the Gemasolar focal point. The redirected light is used to create superheated liquid salt, which allows the solar plant to operate through southern Andalusia's typical 15 hours of darkness. The installation is the first of its kind in Europe and represents a co-operative business venture betwixt Spain and the United Arab Emirates. With enough harvested solar energy to maintain a city of 100,000, it's no surprise that Gemasolar's inauguration was attended by both Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan as well as King Juan Carlos of Spain.
Trend Themes
1. Nocturnal Solar Power - The Gemasolar Solar Plant demonstrates the trend of solar power plants that can operate through the night using innovative technology.
2. Superheated Liquid Salt - The use of superheated liquid salt in solar plants like Gemasolar is a disruptive innovation that allows for continuous power generation even during darkness.
3. International Co-operative Ventures - Collaborative business ventures between countries, such as the partnership between Spain and the United Arab Emirates for Gemasolar, show a trend towards global cooperation in the renewable energy sector.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - The Gemasolar Solar Plant represents a promising development in the renewable energy industry, showcasing the potential for 24/7 clean power generation.
2. Solar Power Generation - The innovative technology employed by Gemasolar paves the way for advancements in the solar power generation industry, enabling round-the-clock operations.
3. Sustainable Infrastructure - The construction and operation of power plants like Gemasolar highlight the growing importance of sustainable infrastructure in the overall energy industry.
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