According to Xcel Energy, it is now operating a hybrid solar-coal plant that uses parabolic trough technology aimed at dramatically increasing efficiency while reducing the amount of coal that is used. The project is located at Xcel's Cameo Generating Station near Grand Junction, Colorado.
"If this project produces the successful results we expect, this type of solar thermal integration will help move the use of solar energy one step closer to being a potential technology for improving the environmental performance of coal-fired power plants for Xcel Energy and for utilities around the country," said Xcel Energy executive Kent Larson.
Other power plants use a mix of photovoltaic panels and other solar energy technologies in conjunction with natural gas to ensure that turbines can be powered any time of day and under any weather conditions.
Researchers have been working on new battery technologies that would allow solar energy to be stored further into the night, but until these become more widespread, hybrid power plants may be an important part of clean energy's future.
