On a hot, sunny summer day with a large expected
electricity demand peak, solar thermal power generated
during the morning can be placed in thermal storage to
be drawn down in the afternoon to meet peak power demands.
This helps ensure adequate electricity supply to consumers
and helps lower peak electricity costs.
During a heatwave, desalination can be shifted
into evening and overnight hours to "free up" the
solar field and natural gas turbine to spend more daylight
hours producing electricity for the grid. This increases
the flexibility of supply in the grid, again helping
to reduce electricity costs and the likelihood of blackouts.
On a cool, sunny winter's day when grid electricity
demand is low and the afternoon demand peak isn't big,
concentrating solar power can be focused on powering desalination.
During a period a period of cloudy weather with
little solar energy generation, the natural gas turbine
can power desalination, ensuring reliable water output.
By engaging in solar salt harvesting, an extra revenue
stream is created. A diversified revenue stream
reduces financial risk, ultimately lowering costs to
consumers.
