Cleaning up the grid Solar thermal electricity development in Australia

The use of solar energy to run steam turbines for electricity production is examined in the Australian context, using new low concentration technology possibilities. Preliminary estimates show that suggested design improvements could result in busbar solar thermal electricity for US$0.05-0.07/kWh over most of Australia. Such price and availability could make solar thermal technology highly competitive for new electricity supply, possibly before the year 2000. Off-grid markets in Australia and in developing countries could provide a useful and lucrative take off market for these technologies.