Project description
Dispatchable solar energy under the spotlight
Moving along the path towards net-zero emissions, Europe’s need to find flexible and dependable sources of renewable energy is more critical than ever. Traditional forms of solar energy are not sufficient because they continue to have difficulty merging their modular capabilities with their ability to generate power on demand. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BEAM-STPV project aims to address this issue by moving solar thermophotovoltaic technology from the lab to reality. Through the creation of an efficient beam-down solar concentrator, incorporating thermal energy storage that can withstand extreme heat and improving photovoltaic cell cooling, BEAM-STPV hopes to achieve full validation of their technology.
Objective
Europe's transition to net-zero energy requires dispatchable renewable technologies. The EU mandates 32% renewable energy by 2030, yet current solar systems face fundamental limitations preventing simultaneous modularity and dispatchability. Conventional photovoltaics offer modularity but lack dispatchability due to intermittency, while concentrated solar power provides dispatchability through thermal storage but suffers from poor modularity due to scale requirements. Solar Thermophotovoltaic (STPV) technology offers a promising solution by converting thermal radiation to electricity, yet current research remains confined to laboratory settings using controlled heat sources rather than real solar concentrators. The critical gap lies in the laboratory-to-field transition. BEAM-STPV addresses this gap through four interdisciplinary research objectives: developing a beam-down solar concentrator achieving >1000 suns concentration ratio and 65% optical efficiency; creating integrated cavity-receiver with thermal storage sustaining emitter temperatures above 1000°C for ≥3 hours; designing microchannel cooling systems maintaining TPV cell temperatures below 50°C; and establishing comprehensive optical-thermal-electrical system models with economic, environmental assessment. The key deliverable is a validated BEAM-STPV system from concentrator to TPV thermal management. The project employs systematic methodology integrating theoretical modelling, Monte Carlo ray-tracing simulations, finite element thermal analysis, and experimental validation using PROMES solar facilities. BEAM-STPV will establish the foundation for transitioning STPV technology from laboratory demonstrations to practical outdoor deployment, positioning European leadership in next-generation renewable energy systems capable of competing with conventional solar technologies through enhanced efficiency and dispatchable electricity generation, supporting EU renewable energy targets and carbon neutrality goals.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering thermodynamic engineering
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electrical engineering power engineering electric power generation
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computational science
- natural sciences chemical sciences analytical chemistry calorimetry
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy solar energy concentrated solar power
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75794 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.