SEGS

Definition

SEGS, or Solar Electric Generating Systems, are a series of concentrated solar power plants located in the Mojave Desert of California. They were among the first commercial-scale solar power plants in the world, playing a pivotal role in the development and demonstration of CSP technology from the late 1980s to the present day.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The SEGS plants were developed by a company called Luz International and began operation in 1984, significantly advancing the commercial viability of CSP technologies.
2. The SEGS facilities collectively have a capacity of around 354 megawatts, making them some of the largest solar thermal power plants in operation.
3. They utilize parabolic trough technology, where long curved mirrors concentrate sunlight onto a receiver tube filled with oil, which transfers heat to produce steam and generate electricity.
4. SEGS played a crucial role in demonstrating that CSP could be economically competitive with fossil fuels, contributing to policy changes and incentives for renewable energy development.
5. Despite their success, SEGS plants face challenges such as aging infrastructure and competition from newer renewable technologies like PV systems.

Review Questions

• How did the SEGS plants contribute to the advancement of concentrated solar power technology?
  • The SEGS plants were instrumental in demonstrating the commercial viability of concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. By operating successfully since 1984, they provided valuable data on performance, efficiency, and economic competitiveness against fossil fuels. This information helped shape policies and incentives that encouraged further investment in renewable energy, making CSP a more recognized option within the energy sector.
• Evaluate the impact of SEGS on the development of renewable energy policies in California and beyond.
  • The success of SEGS significantly influenced renewable energy policies by showing lawmakers and investors that CSP technology could deliver reliable and cost-effective power. The visibility and performance results from SEGS led to increased funding for solar research and development, as well as tax incentives for renewable energy projects. This helped pave the way for broader adoption of solar technologies not only in California but also throughout the United States and globally.
• Assess the challenges that SEGS faces today and how they reflect broader trends in renewable energy technology.
  • Today, SEGS faces challenges such as aging infrastructure and increased competition from newer technologies like photovoltaic (PV) systems. As PV costs have decreased dramatically, many investors are more inclined to fund PV projects instead of maintaining older CSP plants. This trend reflects a broader shift in the renewable energy landscape towards more efficient technologies that require less land and are easier to deploy. The challenges at SEGS highlight the need for ongoing innovation and investment in both existing and emerging renewable energy systems to ensure sustainability in the future.

Related terms

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): A technology that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area to generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity.

Thermal Energy Storage: A system that stores excess thermal energy produced during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods, improving the reliability and efficiency of CSP systems.

Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials, differing from CSP by not relying on heat to generate power.