While solar photovoltaic (PV) has gained widespread popularity, solar thermal energy, and specifically Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), offers a distinct and powerful advantage: the ability to generate electricity even when the sun isn't shining. By capturing and storing the sun's heat, these systems can provide reliable baseload power, filling a critical gap in the renewable energy landscape. This unique capability is key to building a resilient and fully decarbonized grid. This course is designed to provide professionals with the in-depth technical and business knowledge required to harness this often-overlooked and critically important technology.

This program provides a practical, hands-on framework that covers every stage of a solar thermal project, from initial resource assessment and technology selection to complex plant design and operational management. Participants will gain actionable insights into cutting-edge technologies like solar towers and parabolic troughs, as well as the crucial role of thermal energy storage in ensuring continuous power. By focusing on real-world case studies and the unique financial models of CSP, the course prepares engineers, developers, and investors to lead the charge in building a new generation of power plants that can provide both clean and reliable energy for the future.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Renewable Energy Engineers
• Solar Project Developers
• Financial Analysts and Investors
• Utility and Power Generation Managers
• Energy Consultants
• Public Sector Professionals
• Researchers in Renewable Energy
• Business Development Professionals
• Environmental and GIS Specialists
• Grid Operations and Planning Engineers

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of solar thermal energy and its applications.
• Master the design and operation of different Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies.
• Learn about the crucial role and technology of Thermal Energy Storage (TES).
• Grasp the complexities of designing a solar thermal power plant.
• Develop proficiency in the financial and economic modeling of CSP projects.
• Explore best practices for the grid integration of solar thermal power.
• Learn about robust approaches to managing the construction and operation phases.
• Identify the critical legal, regulatory, and permitting considerations.
• Develop skills in communicating technical and economic data to stakeholders.
• Formulate strategies for risk mitigation and project finance.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Solar Thermal Energy

• The physics of solar radiation and heat transfer
• Solar thermal vs. solar photovoltaic (PV)
• The concept of baseload power and its value
• The role of thermal energy storage (TES)
• An overview of solar thermal applications

Module 2: Solar Thermal Technology Types

• Overview of different solar thermal technologies
• Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTC)
• Solar Tower/Power Tower systems
• Linear Fresnel Reflectors
• Parabolic Dish Systems

Module 3: Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Systems

• The components of a typical CSP plant
• Solar field design and layout
• The power block and heat exchangers
• The role of mirrors and receivers
• The importance of a clear and focused research question

Module 4: Thermal Energy Storage (TES)

• The purpose and importance of TES in CSP
• Different TES media (e.g., molten salt)
• Designing a TES system for a CSP plant
• Sizing the TES system for baseload generation
• The economic impact of TES on profitability

Module 5: Project Feasibility and Techno-Economic Analysis

• The importance of a clear and focused framework
• Estimating project costs (CAPEX and OPEX)
• Calculating the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)
• Key financial metrics (NPV, IRR)
• Conducting a comprehensive feasibility study

Module 6: Grid Integration and Electrical Systems

• The role of CSP in grid stability and reliability
• Hybrid CSP plants (e.g., CSP with natural gas)
• Substation design and transmission lines
• Interconnection agreements and permitting
• Grid stability and ancillary services

Module 7: Site Selection and Resource Assessment

• The role of Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI)
• Siting and micro-siting a CSP plant
• Environmental and geological considerations
• Land use and water availability
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan

Module 8: Project Management and Construction

• The project lifecycle for a solar thermal plant
• Key phases: development, financing, construction, operation
• Managing complex supply chains and logistics
• Health, safety, and environmental protocols
• The role of a "data story map"

Module 9: Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

• The importance of O&M in project profitability
• Managing the solar field and cleaning mirrors
• Preventive and corrective maintenance strategies
• Remote monitoring and data analytics
• The role of a simple scorecard and a dashboard

Module 10: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

• The role of government in CSP development
• Policy instruments (e.g., mandates, tax credits)
• Navigating complex permitting processes
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• International and national solar thermal policies

Module 11: Business Models and Financing

• The unique financial models for CSP
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Financing options: equity, debt, and grants
• The role of multilateral development banks
• The importance of a clear and compelling KPI

Module 12: Advanced Topics in Solar Thermal

• The future of solar thermal for industrial process heat
• Next-generation collector technologies
• The role of advanced fluids and materials
• The long-term implications for the sector
• The role of a program's theory of change

Module 13: Financial Modeling for Solar Thermal Projects

• Hands-on lab session with financial modeling software
• Building a project finance model for a CSP plant
• Running sensitivity analyses and risk assessments
• Valuation techniques (NPV, IRR)
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style

Module 14: Risk Management and Mitigation

• Identifying key risks (resource, market, regulatory)
• Strategies for risk mitigation and hedging
• The role of insurance and financial instruments
• Analyzing political and social risks
• The role of a stakeholder analysis

Module 15: Environmental and Social Governance (ESG)

• Water usage and its impact
• Land use and visual impact assessments
• Community engagement and social acceptance
• Stakeholder engagement and public relations
• The role of a "data story map"

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.