District heating systems currently account for substantial energy demand in populated regions, yet most remain dependent on fossil fuels for heat generation. This creates a critical decarbonization bottleneck that cannot be addressed through electricity-focused renewable strategies alone. A new techno-economic study demonstrates how concentrated solar power plants can serve dual purposes when coupled with fifth-generation district heating networks.
The proposed system captures cooling water exiting the CSP condenser—typically wasted to the atmosphere—and uses it as a thermal source for district heating. A booster heat pump elevates this low-temperature recovered heat to the supply temperature required by the distribution network. Thermal energy storage provides buffer capacity to smooth output variability from solar generation.
Hourly modeling across energy, exergy, environmental, and economic dimensions reveals strong performance metrics. The receiver delivered 77.5 MWₜ of average thermal input (679 GWh annually), generating 324.5 GWh of electricity and 80.5 GWh of useful heat. Overall energy efficiency averaged 59.6% (ranging 45–75% hourly), while exergy efficiency varied between 38–52%.
Emissions reductions were substantial: approximately 96 kt CO₂ annually when the heat pump draws grid power, rising to 107 kt when powered by CSP-generated electricity. The levelized cost of electricity reached 0.163 $/kWh and heat 0.075 $/kWh—competitive with conventional generation in many markets.
This configuration directly addresses the heating decarbonization challenge by eliminating waste heat rejection while improving CSP economic viability. The dual-output approach transforms CSP from a peaking generator into a baseload thermal asset capable of serving both electricity and heating demand. For utilities and municipalities planning district heating upgrades, this framework offers a technically proven pathway to substantial emissions reduction while maintaining economic competitiveness.
