Sierra,I agree SolarThermal is more cost effective as its size...

Sierra,

I agree SolarThermal is more cost effective as its size increases, but I am still unaware of any plants (worldwide) at less than $5m per MW, which is a significant capex. Plus the capex to bring the power to market.

Opex is not zero, and can get up to $5-8 per MWh depending on the boiler config /mtce, fluid treatment / reflector mtce costs.

In contrast, the the ugly gorilla in the corner (Supercrit coal) is about $1.5m per MW, simple construction technology (the Chinese are building 1 a month at the moment)and opex is $10-12 per MW, if using local run of mine coal at around $20AUD FIS (NSW & Qld stations, for ex) fuel is costing $15-18.

A MW is worth about $45 in Aus, about 55-80 elsewhere. The solar thermal problem is fitting Depn and Interest on the Capex into the received $ per MW, even with REC's/VEECs/NGACs etc

Esp since Transmission is a higher component of cost than for gas or coal thermal as it is so much farther from the load. Could take another $10-20 per MW out.

Hard. :(

GDY has high-ish capex (note the use of high tech terms here) and a significant transmission problem, but the capex is not as high as ST (or SP for that matter)