The Aurora Solar Thermal Power Project

As we passed through Port Augusta we saw 50 km from afar a giant tower with a black background we were so fascinated and we wanted to investigate what it was so here we are let me explain you this!

What is its purpose?

The Aurora solar power plant can generate up to 500GWh of electricity a year and have a lifespan of approximately 40 years without any degradation. It is expected to meet 5% of South Australia’s power demand.

How does it works and generate electricity?

The new facility will generate energy using concentrated solar power (CSP). The heliostats will move in accordance with the sun's position, focusing sunlight on the receiver, which will operate as a heat exchanger and generate extraordinarily high temperatures. As a result, liquid salt from a cold storage tank will be transferred to the receiver and heated to a high temperature (566°C). After that, the salt will flow into the hot salt tank and onto the steam generator, which will generate steam. As a result, it will power a steam turbine that will create energy.

What is the molten salt technology?

Molten salt is used as a heat transfer in the Aurora solar power plant because it maintains heat and enables for uninterruptible energy generation. Salt may be pumped through the receiver during the day and stored in tanks at night, allowing the facility to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The molten salt, which may be recirculated and reused with no predicted loss, does not need to be refilled for the whole duration of the plant.

The Aurora solar project benefits?

The Aurora solar project will generate enough electricity to power 90,000 homes while also reducing CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes each year.

It resulted in the creation of 50 long-term, permanent employment.

South Australia will provide 60 percent of the equipment and services for the project, adding to the region's industrial and economic growth.

Solar Thermal Plant Diagram?