Focus pont: Physics - Solar Thermal Power : The Science and Technology of Solar Thermal Power in Africa

Abstract

Energy is the most important of resources and the foundation of all human endeavours. The ubiquity and extensive availability of affordable energy provides the basis for the wealth of the technologically developedworld. The energy problem that the world is facing at the beginning of the 21st century is a complex Issue comprised of three facets: availability, economic efficiency and sustainability. How we respond to this problem willdetermine the shape of tomorrow. Paradoxically, that energy source with the greatest sustainable potential is also the least used: our sun. Solar thermal power stations could provide a possible renewable and environmentallysustainable energy source of tomorrow. These scientific, technical and instrumental fundamentals will be addressed in this article.