Solar thermal energy: In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize renewable energy production, engineers are constructing what’s being described as an “artificial sun” in desert regions. This innovative solar thermal facility aims to harness the abundant sunlight of arid environments to generate massive amounts of clean energy capable of powering entire cities. Unlike conventional solar panels, this technology concentrates sunlight to create intense heat that can be used to generate electricity more efficiently and even when the sun isn’t shining, potentially solving one of renewable energy’s biggest challenges – consistent power production regardless of weather conditions.
How Desert Solar Thermal Systems Create an Artificial Sun Effect
The concept behind these desert-based solar thermal systems involves thousands of mirrors called heliostats that track the sun throughout the day. These mirrors reflect and concentrate sunlight onto a central receiver typically mounted on a tower. The concentrated light creates temperatures reaching several thousand degrees – hence the “artificial sun” nickname. This extreme heat can then be used to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity, or it can be stored in thermal storage systems using molten salt or other materials to provide power during nighttime hours or cloudy days.
Advantages of Desert-Based Solar Thermal Power Plants
Desert environments offer ideal conditions for these massive solar thermal installations due to their high solar irradiance, minimal cloud cover, and vast available land. Unlike traditional photovoltaic panels that convert sunlight directly to electricity, these thermal systems can store energy in the form of heat, allowing for power generation even after sunset. This addresses one of the primary criticisms of renewable energy – intermittency – and enables these facilities to provide baseload power similar to conventional power plants but without the associated carbon emissions.
The pressure is mounting on Nasa: the space station is nearing its end and no successor is secured
| Feature | Benefit | Comparison to Traditional Solar | Environmental Impact | Economic Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Storage | 24/7 Power Generation | Superior Dispatchability | Zero Emissions During Operation | Higher Initial Investment |
| Desert Location | Maximum Sunlight Exposure | Higher Efficiency | Minimal Land Use Conflict | Lower Land Acquisition Costs |
| Concentrated Solar Power | Higher Temperatures | Better Energy Density | No Toxic Materials | Economies of Scale |
| Thermal Generation | Grid Compatibility | Uses Existing Turbine Technology | Water Usage Concerns | Lower Integration Costs |
| Scalable Design | City-Scale Power | Larger Single Installations | Potential Wildlife Impact | Decreasing Cost Curve |
Technical Challenges of Creating Solar Thermal Power at City Scale
Despite the promising potential, building an artificial sun in the desert comes with significant technical hurdles. Engineers must solve complex problems related to materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, efficient heat transfer systems, and minimizing energy losses. Water usage presents another challenge, as conventional thermal power generation requires cooling – a precious resource in desert environments. Researchers are developing innovative dry cooling technologies and closed-loop systems to address this concern. Additionally, dust accumulation on mirrors can significantly reduce efficiency, requiring advanced cleaning systems that minimize water usage while maintaining optimal performance.
Global Projects Leading the Artificial Sun Movement
Several ambitious projects around the world are already demonstrating the viability of desert-based solar thermal power. These pioneering installations are setting the stage for even larger facilities that could truly power entire cities with clean, renewable energy. The technology continues to evolve with each new project, driving down costs and improving efficiency. Here are some of the most significant initiatives currently underway:
- Concentrated solar power towers with molten salt storage in North Africa
- Integrated solar combined cycle systems in Middle Eastern deserts
- Multi-tower configurations with shared thermal storage in China
- Hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic installations in Australia
- Advanced heliostat field designs with AI-optimized mirror positioning
- Next-generation thermal storage using novel materials beyond molten salt
- Pilot programs testing supercritical CO2 power cycles for higher efficiency
FAQs
Q: What is an artificial sun?
A: Concentrated solar thermal system
Q: How hot do these systems get?
A: Thousands of degrees
Q: Can they generate power at night?
A: Yes
Q: Where are they being built?
A: Desert regions
At CES 2026, this robot folds laundry, empties the dishwasher and takes dishes out of the oven
Q: When will they power entire cities?
A: Coming years
