Making solar thermal power generation in India a reality - Overview of technologies, opportunities and challenges

Preamble Energy is considered a prime agent in the generation of wealth and a significant factor in economic development. Limited fossil resources and environmental problems associated with them have emphasized the need for new sustainable energy supply options that use renewable energies. Solar thermal power generation systems also known as Solar Thermal Electricity (STE) generating systems are emerging renewable energy technologies and can be developed as viable option for electricity generation in future. This paper discusses the technology options, their current status and opportunities and challenges in developing solar thermal power plants in the context of India.