Alinta Energy’s two year complete feasibility study into solar thermal generation has reached another milestone with the recommendation of an assessment of stand-alone power tower technology at Port Augusta.
Alinta Energy will pursue an assessment of stand-alone power tower technology at a site to the southeast of Augusta Power Stations.
Together with Parsons Brinckerhoff, Alinta Energy made a thorough assessment of solar thermal generation considering criteria like technological maturity, risks to integration or operations, predictability, land usage, and dual financial metrics.
Alinta Energy believes that stand-alone technology presents grate potential for commercialisation, a power generation system made up of many renewable sources. Stand-alone technology mitigates the integration risks of hybridisation and offers potential generation opportunities other than coal-fired operations. There are real challenges in developing and constructing solar thermal technology.
 Alinta Energy is committed to completing the solar thermal full feasibility study with the due diligence it demands, the company said. This will provide a comprehensive information base for potential investment partners to compare cost of technology and regulatory environment change.
Alinta Energy has selected a location near Augusta Power Station site, considering proximity to a connection point, environmental and heritage impacts and slope and flooding potential to inform the remainder of the study.
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