The U.S. Department of Energy (‘DOE”) today announced plans to provide up to $52.5 million to research, develop, and demonstrate Concentrating Solar Power systems capable of providing electrical power both day and night at low cost. This is a competitive funding opportunity which focuses on:

1.    Research and development of concepts and components for a CSP system that enables a plant to produce low-cost electricity at least 18 hours of the day; and

2.    Evaluation of the feasibility and development of a prototype complete CSP system capable of operating at least 18 hours per day while generating low-cost power.

The DOE will award money for research and development of solar systems that produce power at least 18 hours a day.Funding depends on continuing annual appropriations. DOE anticipates making up to 13 project awards totaling up to $52.5 million.