Plataforma Solar de Almería
The Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) is a center for the exploration of the solar energy. It was founded in the early 1980s and run by the centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), its location is on the edge of the Tabernas Desert in the Spanish province of Almería.
Over 20,000 m² of mirrors are installed on a 100-acre site. There are several techniques tested under practical conditions, mainly solar thermal power plants. Hydrosol-2 is a solar power tower and a set of heliostats to collect the solar thermal energy.
The Plataforma Solar de Almeria, which belongs to the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), is the largest European center for research, development and testing of concentrating solar technologies. PSA activities are integrated as a Division of R&D within the structure of the CIEMAT’s Department of Energy.
Over 20,000 m² of mirrors are installed on a 100-acre site. There are several techniques tested under practical conditions, mainly solar thermal power plants. Hydrosol-2 is a solar power tower and a set of heliostats to collect the solar thermal energy.
The Plataforma Solar de Almeria, which belongs to the Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), is the largest European center for research, development and testing of concentrating solar technologies. PSA activities are integrated as a Division of R&D within the structure of the CIEMAT’s Department of Energy.
The objectives that inspire its research activity are the following:
- Contribute to the establishment of a sustainable, clean, world energy supply.
- Contribute to conservation of European energy resources, climate and environment.
- Promote market introduction of solar thermal technologies and derived solar chemical processes.
- Contribute to development of a competitive European solar thermal export industry.
- Reinforce cooperation between the business sector and scientific institutions in the field of research, development, demonstration and marketing of the solar thermal technologies.
- Boost cost-reducing technological innovation, thus contributing to increased market acceptance of the solar thermal technologies.
- Promote North-South technological cooperation, especially in the Mediterranean Area.
- Assist industry in identifying market opportunities related to the solar thermal technologies.
