Thermo-Solar Salts

The solar thermal salts are composed of Sodium Nitrate and Potassium Nitrate, and these solar salts are the natural solution for thermal storage and heat transfer in the Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Plant . Most renewable energy technologies such as wind and PV suffer from a discontinuous energy supply and an unpredictable output due to altering weather conditions and/or energy demands. Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, equipped with a Molten Salts Storage System, store excess heat and stay operational also during evening hours and cloudy days, which signicantly increases their electricity output. The generated electricity from thermal storage is completely dispatchable: its power can be connected to the electrical grid at any time. SQM has a unique business proposal for the solar thermal power business community. SQM’s solar salts are a clean, natural-source solution. Annually, SQM produces around 1.5 million MT of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate from Caliche Ore and Solar Brines, two natural resources found in northern Chile. Contact: solar_salts@sqm.com

Digital infographic of the operation of the first solar thermal plant in Chile

Research and infographics: Juan Pablo Bravo | Illustration: Roberto Ortega | 3D illustration: René Olivares | El Mercurio newspaper

Links of interest :www.nrel.gov/csp/www.solarpaces.orgwww.estelasolar.euhelioscsp.comhttp://www.irena.org/costs/Charts/CSP