Work

Concentrating solar thermal power in the U.S.: lessons from setbacks at Ivanpah, light for the future

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) exhibits promise as a source of firm electricity. The proposed termination of Ivanpah’s power purchase agreement hinders confidence in the country’s CSP future. This work highlights how the lack of thermal energy storage (TES) undermined the first-of-a-kind plant’s economics as California’s grid transformed. Then, possible futures of the Ivanpah facility are analyzed; results show retrofitting with state-of-the-art TES systems could provide better returns.

Source: npj Thermal Science and Engineering

DOI: 10.1038/s44435-026-00007-4

Authors: Jeffrey Gifford, Alexander Zolan, Guangdong Zhu, Mark Mehos, Steve Schell

Institution: National Laboratory of the Rockies

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,590