ASTERIx-CAESar

CSP combined with compressed air energy storage

About ASTERIx-CAESar

ASTERIx-CAESar is a Horizon Europe funded project developing a novel high-efficiency solar thermal power plant concept with integrated electricity storage. The project combines air-based central receiver Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES), doubling peak solar-to-electric conversion efficiency to more than 40% while offering storage to the grid with a round-trip efficiency above 60%. 

The developments cover an:

• advanced high-efficiency solar receiver
• AI-based solar flux control
• optimised CAES and 
• innovative integration of desalination

validated with a 480 kWth demonstration prototype.

Project duration

October 2023 - September 2027

The challenge

Future power plants must generate electricity when the grid needs it and store energy when renewables produce more than the system can absorb. Combining CSP with compressed air energy storage addresses both in a single plant concept.

Our role

Aalborg CSP contributes to the design of the air-based central receiver CSP system, drawing on its history as a key developer of solar tower receivers proven in commercial CSP plants worldwide. The work includes heat exchanger design for the CAES integration and techno-economic modelling of the plant concept.
 

For more information visit: https://asterix-caesar.eu/