Mirrors: A Solution to Africa's Energy Crisis?

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Helio 100

Helio 100
Courtesy of Helio100

A university in South Africa recently announced that it had devised a way to produce low-cost concentrated solar power. Could this be the answer to Africa’s energy crisis?

First, a little background: Solar energy generation falls under two categories: photovlatic (PV) systems or concentrated solar power (CSP). The former converts solar energy into direct current electricity, using PV solar panels. The latter uses heliostats (essentially mirrors) to concentrate the sun’s light and convert that light into heat, which then drives a heat engine (normally a steam turbine) connected to an electrical power generator. 

But while the cost of PV has been falling dramatically – and is expected to fall further – CSP remains comparatively expensivedue to higher capital and maintenance costs. The irony is that CSP is more efficient and recyclable compared to PV systems.

Cost comparison of PV and CSP.

Cost comparison of PV and CSP.
Courtesy of Gatherportfolio

Currently, the Helio 100 pilot project, using just over 100 heliostats, is generating 150 Kilowatts of electricity, which can power the equivalent of 10 households. So far, the researchers estimate that generating electricity through the pilot project costs less than diesel generators, a dangerous, unsustainable and extremely popular power source in Africa.Enter Helio 100. Invented and manufactured in Africa, Helio 100 is about to change the global prospects for CSP technology. Developed by the Solar Thermal Research Group of Stellenbosch University in South Africa, Helio 100 utilizes smaller heliostats than what’s commonly used: 2.2 M2 mirrors rather than the more common 100 M2 mirrors. The change is cutting down on the massive costs associated with CSP electricity generation.

Helio 100 team selfie

Helio 100 team selfie
Courtesy of Helio100

The Helio 100 program’s benefits are not limited to the fact that it’s comparatively cheaper now. It also has few environmental costs and generates energy more efficiently than PV systems. The technology could also have a socio-economic impact on communities: It harbors great potential for localized manufacturing, which could bring employment to rural communities. And Helio 100 could serve as a low-cost energy solution for countries including Chad, Sudan, Egypt and South Africa, all of which have higher-than-average sunshine hours and large rural populations that lack access to electricity.