Technology Impact objectives: propose a new design for the next generation of small-scale CSP plants, feature a reduced water requirement compared to steam Rankine cycle, provide an optical efficiency of small solar tower system higher than that of any other solar field and offer an extended range of designs by varying the size of the components, each design being optimized for a specific need (power generation, cogeneration, heating/cooling, water desalination).
Economic Impact: The levelized cost of electricity estimated for the POLYPHEM technology developed at the end of the project is 21 c€/kWh in sunny regions (2600 kWh/m2/y). When commercial technology is ready, LCOE is expected to drop down to 16.5 c€/kWh (competitive with the cost of electricity generation in remote areas in Africa, Middle-East or India)
European competitiveness: The project will strengthen competitiveness and growth of European companies already engaged in CSP related activities. The new capacities acquired by the POLYPHEM partners from the private sector (design & construction of components and products of high technology) will allow to address existing markets with elevated added value and to increase their competitiveness. The project will also actively support the business activity of SMEs by opening a new field in which the early movers will have a decisive competitive advantage over potential competitors. The outcomes of the project will create new business opportunities for industries developing products like technical concrete, organic Rankine cycles, high temperature and high performance heat exchangers, insulating materials and thermal processes that compose the innovative POLYPHEM cycle.
Environmental Impact: The POLYPHEM project develops a solar technology for clean power and process heat generation. The main strategic targets of POLYPHEM addressing environmental issues are the following: increase electricity generation based on Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), develop Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems, supply Green technologies, develop integrated energy solutions, use desalination in order to increase water availability, contribute to sustainable agricultural and food production, and allow environmental savings by reducing CO2 emissions.
Social Impact: The deployment of the POLYPHEM technology in the regions of interest is expected to contribute to the supply of electricity on-demand through mini-grids and to water supply when co-generation is implemented. Local communities who live in isolated and arid regions will therefore benefit from this technology. Employment in Europe and in the regions of interest is also expected to be favoured. The construction of future POLYPHEM plants can create about 1000 jobs which will benefit to SMEs, half of them being located in EU and the rest will be created in the regions of implementation.
