RayGen Launches Hybrid Hydro System in Brazil
Australian solar pioneer RayGen has made a significant leap by successfully implementing its innovative concentrated solar power technology in Brazil, marking its first international project. This deployment enables the production and storage of both clean electricity and thermal energy.
The 1-megawatt (MW) PV Ultra system, situated at a demonstration site in Brazil managed by AXIA Energia, formerly known as Eletrobras, features a heliostat field, a receiver tower, PV Ultra modules, and a plant control system.
Energy Storage and Production Capability
RayGen’s PV Ultra system not only generates solar electricity for direct grid feeding but also stores energy as cold and hot water in two designated water pits. The cold pit is ‘charged’ via electricity using a standard ammonia-cycle chiller, while the hot water is sourced from either RayGen’s solar system or a heat pump. This unique setup allows the temperature difference between the two pits to drive an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) turbine when electricity is needed.
Collaborative Innovation
Richard Payne, CEO of RayGen, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting it as a testament to Australian innovation and advanced manufacturing. He noted, “Our unique technology, which generates clean electricity and thermal energy, is being rolled out internationally. Working with AXIA has been a pleasure as their commitment to innovation mirrors our values, aligning beautifully with our approach to technology adoption.”
The demonstration site located in Petrolina in Northeast Brazil is designed to showcase innovative technologies in local conditions before they can be deployed on a larger scale.
Future Prospects and Excitement
Juliano Dantas, the executive vice president for technology and innovation at AXIA Energia, commented on the significance of this project, stating, “Pioneering this technology in Brazil provides alternatives for renewable energy, energy storage, and inertia. It enables solar generation driven by demand while ensuring power quality, which closely aligns with AXIA Energy’s philosophy of serving the market.” He also expressed enthusiasm about exploring how this system may support AI factories in the future and noted the successful development of their partnership with RayGen.
This project represents RayGen’s first foray into international deployment, following their established sites at Carwarp and Newbridge in Victoria and the forthcoming utility-scale Yadnarie project in South Australia, which has already received development approval.
