Solar thermal plant pegged for Austin

A new clean energy company would be the first in Central Texas to generate electricity with solar thermal — a technology that’s popular in areas of the nation that receive more direct sunlight.

ThermalSoul, launched by the president of Austin-based business development firm Phillips & Co., is considering at least three different sites for a solar thermal plant that would generate up to 10 megawatts for local utilities. The location will be selected by mid-June, Managing Partner and President Richard Phillips said.

Solar thermal energy uses curved reflectors to concentrate heat from the sun. The heat is gathered in collectors that warm thermal liquid, which stores the heat as energy and uses it to generate electricity. The approach is most commonly used in locations with intense sunlight, such as Arizona and New Mexico.

Phillips said ThermalSoul has tested its system in Mexico, and it operates at a lower temperature than conventional solar thermal. As a result, light intensity isn’t expected to be a problem.

The approach differs from photovoltaic solar energy, which includes panels with cells that convert the sun’s energy into electricity.

Read the full story in the Austin Business Journal.