Project description

Combined solar thermal energy-biomass power plant for electricity, refrigeration and heat generation

Sponsored as part of the International Climate Protection Initiative by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), following a resolution by the German parliament

Project partners

• Institute for Solar Research at German Aerospace Center ( go to website )
• School of Renewable Energy Technology / Naresuan University

Project aim

To demonstrate an innovative technology for the decentralised provision of electrical energy, heat and air conditioning from solar energy and biomass and to introduce it to potential cooperation partners in the region of Southeast Asia. The use of low-temperature turbines and an absorption cooler represent an innovation that offers significant marketing potential. The dissemination of the technology is to be supported through training and road shows, thus targeting and promoting new CO₂ reduction potentials.

Project description:

• Construction of a combined solar thermal energy and biomass boiler power plant for the generation of electricity, refrigeration and heat in the SERT Energy Park. The planned innovative system includes the Solarlite parabolic trough collectors SL 2300 and SL 4600, a converter for electricity and heat production, an absorbtion cooling machine and a biomass boiler for permanent heat generation.
• Implementation of test series and analyses
• Development of a programme for observing economic efficiency and the design of combined heat and power applications

Social impact:

• Reduction of CO₂ emissions
• Decentralisation allows for energy provision even in undeveloped regions and as such it contributes to growth and economic development.
• Awareness-raising in the Southeast Asian countries on the topic of solar thermal energy, particularly politicians, associations and institutions
• Qualification and training of skilled workers for an industry of the future