As demand for clean and sustainable energy continues to rise, researchers have been exploring various approaches to harness solar power. One such approach is concentrated solar power, which involves collecting and storing solar heat to create electricity or dry foods. And now, the next generation of solar energy collectors could be rocks.
Recent research has shown that certain soapstone and granite samples from Tanzania could be well-suited for storing solar heat. These rocks have high energy densities and exhibit stability even at high temperatures. In fact, soapstone has a thermal conductivity that is almost twice that of concrete, making it an ideal material for heat storage.
The potential of rock-based technology for solar energy storage is huge. With the right materials, energy could be stored for months, making it possible to generate electricity even when the sun isn’t shining. This could prove to be a game-changer for communities in remote locations or in areas where access to electricity is limited.
Besides this, according to recent reports, the concentrated solar power market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.3% from 2020-2027, indicating a promising future for this technology.
While there is still much research to be done, the idea of using rocks as solar energy collectors is an exciting prospect that could contribute significantly to a more sustainable future.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 