Solar Power at Coal Plants Could Cut Energy Costs, CO2 Emissions

The pairing of solar technology with coal-fired power could reduce the amount of coal required to produce energy and cut the costs associated with solar production, according to proponents of a trial plan in Colorado. A proposal announced by Abengoa Solar and utility Xcel Energy would use solar heat concentrated by parabolic mirrors to generate steam to help drive the turbines of the coal plant. Adding the array to an existing power plant would cut the cost of actually converting solar power into electricity by 30 to 50 percent, according to estimates, and make the renewable source more competitive with conventional sources of electricity. At the same time, it will reduce the amount of coal needed in the coal-fired plant and cut carbon dioxide emissions. Engineers add, however, that solar power used at solar plants will probably contribute no more than 15 percent of total electricity produced. And they will only be effective in sunny areas.