The CSP facility features a central tower receiver with thermal storage capabilities, and comprises 2,650 heliostats that stretch approximately 185 hectares.
The power project is expected to generate enough electricity for about 25,000 homes and avoid approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
Torresol Energy is a 40-60 joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based energy company Masdar and Spanish engineering and construction firm SENER.
SENER supplied all the technology and engineering design, and led the construction and commissioning of the Gemasolar power plant.
SENER’s technology includes the molten salt storage system and the receiver that is able to absorb 95% of the radiation from the sun’s spectrum and transmit this energy to the molten salt compound that circulates within the receiver, which is then used to heat steam and operate the steam turbines.
The Gemasolar project received EUR171m ($242.4m) financing through a transaction that involved European financial institutions including Banco Popular, Banesto, ICO and the European Investment Bank.
