Authors
Banacloche, Santacruz; Garraín, Daniel; Lechón, Yolanda
Abstract
The main objective of the Competitive Solar Power Towers (CAPTure) project was to increase plant efficiencies and reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) by developing all relevant components that allow implementing an innovative plant configuration. This plant configuration was based on a multi-tower decoupled advanced solar combined cycle (DSCC). Based on the prototype investment as well as operation and maintenance cost data and assuming a large-scale deployment of the technology, a socio-economic impact assessment was conducted. The sustainability assessment consisted of two parts: i) an LCA, where carbon dioxide and other local emissions were estimated considering system operation and construction, and ii) an Input-Output (IO) in order to consider a socio-economic assessment, where both direct and indirect impacts on the economy and employment were estimated. The main results pointed out a good environmental performance of the project facilities when compared to relevant references. Nevertheless it must be highlighted that the inventory data were briefer than the bibliographic reviews. With a multiplier effect of 2, the investments in DSCC would have positive impacts in terms of value added and employment. Value added was originated mostly inside Europe (76%), while employment effects, medium-skilled intensive, were more relevant in other regions such as Latin America (61%).