Abstract
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is emerging as perhaps the most important strategic future source of electricity for sunny regions around the world, including South Africa. Stellenbosch University hosts the only academic solar thermal energy research group in South Africa and is recognised as an international centre of expertise in this area. This talk will cover two areas: (1) the group’s recent research activities on the design and engineering of CSP plants, and (2) the value proposition of CSP as a clean energy source, by presenting systems analysis done in collaboration with researchers at IIASA (Austria) and elsewhere.
Biography
Senior Researcher and Director, Solar Thermal Energy Research Group, Stellenbosch University Paul co-founded and directs the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG). He coordinates the research themes of the group and is responsible for the budgeting, fund raising and management of R&D. He is also responsible for national strategic academic R&D planning for solar thermal energy systems. His own research relates to systems analysis of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) as part of the future energy system of South Africa. With peers and students, he is coordinating a university developed CSP technology that aims to be piloted from 2014.
Before switching to CSP, Paul worked in the semiconductor industry between 1995 and 2009. More recently, he was responsible for the strategic planning of the Intel Atom platform for the next generation of mobile phones. He has managed multi-disciplinary engineering teams responsible for delivering mobile device reference systems.