Scientists at the German Aerospace Center or DLR have developed the world’s first solar fuel reactor that is able to function at night.
Called CONTISOL, the reactor runs at all hours of the day, because it relies on two systems. The first is the concentrated solar power or CSP that runs when there is sunlight. The second is the thermal energy storage that uses air from the atmosphere, and runs when the temperature drops.
The device can make fuel, such as hydrogen, without the intensive greenhouse gas emissions from burning natural gas. While the team has only developed a small-scale prototype in its early stages, a full-scale CONTISOL system allows for low-impact access to clean hydrogen fuel when fully developed and used.
Will perfecting this solar reactor innovation finally be the key to a 100% clean energy future? Please comment your thoughts below.