Solar Demonstration Platforms by AEP

The Solar Demonstration Platforms (SDPs) development is the first phase of the Algarve Energy Park, the initiative created to develop a leading energy efficiency technology platforms in southern Iberia. The SDPs will create an initial critical mass by hosting up to 6 concentrated solar technology demonstration plants, which were recently licensed by the Portuguese Government.

Strategically located in the Algarve and Alentejo regions of Portugal, platforms will enjoy outstanding DNI and an excellent infrastructure (road, rail, and grid connections). The SDPs will provide shared engineering and support infrastructure, O&M, security, and professional research and marketing services.

The SDPs will function in support of the dynamically developing solar technology sector, acting as a major technology R&D and commercialization hubs. Considering the current development phase in the lifecycle of concentrated solar technologies, supported by positive market outlook across the globe, professional demonstration infrastructures have become an important marketing tool in the effort to roll out large utility scale CPV and CSP projects.

The SDPs will provide data on key parameters like efficiency performance, unit maintenance costs, and component reliability which will help technology firms and promoters gain crucial project finance backing for future projects.

The provision of collaborative or independent R&D of components and manufacturing processes leveraged across the platforms will allow participants to improve their overall R&D effectiveness, and enable the growth of centers of excellence for the different technologies.

A combined professional training facility will similarly allow for efficiencies of scale for participants.

THE CORE ACTIVITIES OF THE SDP:

• Common Infrastructure and Grid connection;
• Marketing and Communication;
• Centralized security, early warning services;
• Maintenance and operations;
• Shared support facilities;
• Monitoring services;
• Development and products and solutions commercialization consulting.

To view Alcoutim platform location video, click on the image below.