A concentrated solar power (CSP) plant uses mirrors to concentrate solar radiation and convert it in high temperature heat. This can be used in different industrial processes that need high temperature, such as non-metallic particles treatment and clinker production. Synhelion’s breakthrough technology provides sufficient heat to produce clinker without using fossil fuels. Replacing fossil fuels entirely with solar energy is a game-changer in Cemex’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Additionally, the technology creates the conditions to separate, and therefore capture, the remaining CO2 from calcination in concentrated form without additional efforts. The partnership between Synhelion and Cemex has received important recognition recently. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded US$ 3.2 million to Solar MEAD, a joint project between Cemex, Sandia National Laboratories, and Synhelion to study the conditions to maximize heat transfer to the raw cement mix.
Advantages / Disadvantages
The technology has reasonable potential to replace fossil fuel use in various applications, and may prove technologically easier to apply than direct electrification of heat. However, it is still at a relatively early stage of development and would require considerable cost reductions to be competitive. Its application may be limited to areas with peak solar potential. Furthermore, replacing all process heat (as opposed to a part) with solar thermal will likely be challenging. Also, it does not address process emission in cement production.
