Molten Salt Solar Heat Storage Helps Generate Electricity 24/7 in Sicily

Archimede, a combination gas and solar power plant in Sicily, is able to produce solar electricity around the clock thanks its huge molten salt solar heat storage capacity. The gas-solar power plant combines concentrated solar power (CSP) collection with solar heat storage, then uses the stored heat to run power generators at night.

Molten salt for solar heat storage is more efficient than other heat-storing methods. The ability to release heat to run power-generating turbines at night greatly reduces the need for natural gas and increases the viability of solar as a power source.