Ann: Response to ASX Query, page-13

I think heating such a large amount of water with gas would raise costs more than it raised output, but I like the idea of directing more energy to the ponds than falls on them naturally. What about building mirrors around the ponds and directing additional sunlight on to them, similar to what's done with solar thermal plants which heat molten salt as a form of energy storage?


Unlike with the molten salt tower example linked to above, you'd need the mirrors elevated to shine down on the ponds. Also you wouldn't want to focus the mirrors on a single spot or you'd get a boiling focal point. Obviously you'd have to do feasibility testing to find out whether wind and sand would damage the mirrors too much to be worthwhile, and ensure your mirror angles prevented snow build-up, but there is something elegant about doubling down on sun power. Thoughts?