Power plant unveiled.
The world’s first dual-tower solar thermal power plant opened in China’s Gansu Province to boost energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
Most power plants use coal or oil to make steam, which spins turbines and makes electricity. But that’s not very good for the Earth.
This new plant is different! It uses the sun’s heat to make steam and create electricity. Isn’t that awesome? Plus, it helps keep our planet happy and healthy!
How does this power plant function?
The new power plant has two massive towers, each 200 metres tall (imagine them as tall as many big school buses put on top of each other!).
The plant has many shiny mirrors on the ground, which direct sunlight onto the receiver at the tower's top. The sunlight heats water to make steam, which spins turbines and helps make electricity.
But wait, there’s more! The towers also store molten salt, which works like a giant battery by capturing excess heat during the day. This stored heat is used to generate electricity at night, allowing the plant to continue producing power even after dark, unlike other solar power plants.
The mirrors can move and follow the sun, reflecting sunlight to one tower in the morning and the other in the afternoon. How cool is that?
Solar plants are part of a clean energy complex.
China’s latest supercool power plant is part of a bigger plan to use the sun, heat, and wind to produce much energy while avoiding carbon emissions!
Another fascinating thing about the plant is that it may be extended as needed! It's currently being tested, but it should be fully functional by the end of 2024.
This amazing plant shows how new technology can help us make clean energy and keep the Earth safe!
