eSolar, a leading concentrating solar thermal power technology company, and Ferrostaal AG, one of the largest developer of power plants in the world, announced a collaboration to install turnkey solar power facilities in many countries including South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain. Under the terms of agreement, receiver technology and solar field will be provided by eSolar and power block will be supplied by Ferrostaal. In addition, Ferrostaal, as a general contractor, will take care of all other activities including financing.
CEO of eSolar, John Van Scoter, said the collaboration with Ferrostaal is a notable success. Combining the construction expertise of Ferrostaal, especially in the concentrated solar thermal area, with eSolar’s award-winning technology provides the partnership to rapidly deploy solar power projects throughout the world, Scoter said.
In 2009, a large-scale solar power plant, Sierra SunTower, was commissioned by eSolar. The 5-MW power plant, at present, is the only power tower plant to be operating in North America.
In the tower technology provided by eSolar, sunlight is reflected by mirrors onto a receiver that is installed on a tower. Water that is in the receiver boils due to the focused heat and produces high–temperature steam that drives a turbine to generate electricity. Tower technology is better than other CSP technologies since much high temperatures are realized.
Dr. Klaus Lesker, Board Member at Ferrostaal, said the company is pleased to partner with eSolar and its approach complements well with Ferrostaal’s contracting and engineering skills. The partnership with eSolar will enable the company to expand its portfolio of projects, Lesker said.