Abstract
After considerations on the thermodynamics and technicalities of solar energy conversion into power, indicating the advantage of using high temperatures, the 1 MW(el) helioelectric power plant EURELIOS of the European Communities is described. The conversion of solar energy into hydrogen, and transportation of solar energy by means of hydrogen and/or hydrogenated fuels are discussed. The solar power plant is, at about 80% of the overall costs, the most cost-intensive component in the system comprising solar energy conversion into mechanical power, electrolysis, chemical reactor and transportation of chemicals over long distances (several 1000 km) over land and sea to the user's site. Liquid and gaseous hydrogen, methanol and ammonia are considered. Industrial solar hydrogen production is discussed, especially by electrolysis, because of its present readiness for application. Some qualitative considerations on the influence of large-scale solar energy conversion on local climate indicate that there should be no heating up of the atmosphere above the ground but a slight cooling of the ground underneath the mirrors.
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