Unique solar power station Gemasolar (9 photos)

Recently, in early October, the Gemasolar solar power plant was inaugurated in Spanish Andalusia. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is capable of generating electricity even at night when there is no sun.

1. Gemasolar is the largest solar power plant in the world and the first that can operate around the clock.

2. The sun's rays reflected from the mirrors are focused at the top of the tower, heating the liquid there. The steam produced during the heating process drives turbines, which generate electricity.

3. The containers at the top of the tower contain not water, but a solution of molten salts. Heating during the day, this solution retains heat and continues to release steam after sunset. The accumulated heat is enough for 15 hours of operation in the dark and in cloudy weather. Thus, salt containers also serve as a heat accumulator.

4. There are mirrors around the tower, not solar panels. Their number is 2600 pieces, and the total area of the reflective surface is several thousand square meters.

5. The liquid flowing at the focal points of the rays is heated to a temperature of over 900 degrees Celsius. The energy produced is 20 MW, which is enough to power 25,000 homes.

6. Gemasolar will reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by 30,000 tons per year.

7. Gemasolar solar power plant is a joint project between Spain and the United Arab Emirates. $410 million was invested in it.

8. The whole project took two years. The construction of the power plant itself took only five months.

9. Gemasolar is currently not operating at full capacity. It is expected to be 70% operational by 2012.