<More Tools for Rita The Oil Drum The third CERA increment>

18 comments on Open Thread and News Drop

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

| Show without comments | PDF version

isaiah on September 21, 2005 - 8:49pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
obviously it would help to have as low an interest rate as possible as the start-up costs for solar chimneys are the majority of the total investment, whereas coal/CC has substantial fuel and maintenance costs.  is this 11% interest rate based on what loans in Europe (or to 3rd world nations) are currently charged?  
Comments can no longer be added to this story.
MikeTor on September 22, 2005 - 1:24am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top
The 11% was as given by a german energy company, but not sure if for Europe. Obviously, if a proven concept and a necessity, or if pushed by governments, the interest rate could be a LOT lower being cost competitive. Also, the costs are equally valid for parabolic designs, that are proven and mature.

You have to bear in mind that those analysis were made for coal/natural gas prices of 2001!!! with today's (and tomorrow's) prices, it would be a lot cheaper than fossil fuel fired stations!. It is a shame that fossil fuel power stations are still build at all in southern countries.
There are even studies where solar energy is produced in northern africa to supply Europe (or southern USA to supply the whole country).

A belgium company that offers a parabolic design that is modular and with standard components, making it ready NOW for mass production.
http://www.azom.com/details.asp?newsID=252

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

18 comments on Open Thread and News Drop

Comments can no longer be added to this story.

| Show without comments | PDF version