At GEAR, we are committed to developing
technologies with focus on less or no impact
on the environment to provide a better life for
ourselves and generations to come.
Concentrated Solar Power

Parabolic trough technology is currently the most proven solar thermal energy technology for utility-scaled power generation. This is primarily due to nine large commercial-scale solar power plants, the first of which has been operating in the California Mojave Desert since 1984. These plants, which continue to operate on a daily basis, range in size from 14 to 80 MW and represent a total of 354 MW of installed electric generating capacity. Key to CSP's commercial success is developing an economical, effective energy storage capability that will hold the sun's heat for use to generate clean electricity at periods of peak power demand, or during cloudy weather or at night. NREL is studying new thermal storage materials and technologies that will allow CSP plants to work at higher temperatures and greater efficiencies, while lowering the cost of energy produced by these systems.

SELECTED PRODUCTS
Metvac Linear Receivers

SELECTED APPLICATIONS
ISCC Power Generation
CSP Power Generation