Concentrating Solar Power for Africa (CSP-Africa)

This project will evaluate the possibility of introducing solar thermal electric (STE) technologies as electricity generation options into Southern Africa. The possibility of decreasing the region's dependence on fossil fuels (predominantly coal) by employing a more environmentally preferred option will be quantified.The project objectives are to; (i) evaluate solar thermal electric tech. Options w/regard to their current and future potential for S.Afr.; (ii) conduct a broad site assessment to identify the most attractive areas for potential plants; (iii) conduct a preliminary assessment of the most promising near-term tech. to determine whether a commercial project would be economically feasible w/use of GEF funding support; and (iv) once the project is considered feasible, develop plans for proceeding w/ project and future steps that would be necessary to allow additional project deployments and cost reductions.