Archive · 29 Nov 2025
Solar Thermal Tech Could Boost India's Net-Zero Goals
India wants to use more renewable energy to reduce its carbon emissions.
Currently, most of its energy comes from coal, which is not good for the environment.
One way to generate renewable energy is by using solar panels, but they can be expensive and not very efficient in hot weather.
A new study suggests using solar thermal power, which converts sunlight into heat to make electricity.
This method is cheaper and more reliable than traditional solar panels.
The study found that a special fluid called R 1233zd (E) works best for this process.
The cost of this technology is also lower than other similar systems.
However, there is still room for improvement to make it even more efficient and cost-effective.
India aims to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, currently at 25%.
Solar organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology is a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional solar PV systems.
The study identified R 1233zd (E) as the optimal fluid for ORC systems in terms of cost and environmental impact.
ORC systems are competitive with solar PV technology, with costs ranging from $895 to $1,122 per kWh for a 100 kW unit.
Further optimization of components like the solar collector and expander can reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Who
- Researchers from IIEST Shibpur, Imperial College London, and IIT Kharagpur
- What
- A study on the feasibility of solar organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology in India
- When
- The study was submitted to the Physics and Society journal last week (November 2025)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of solar ORC technology under Indian climatic conditions
- India's current energy production
- 80% from coal
- Annual CO2 emissions from coal
- 2.4 billion tonnes
- Renewable energy target for 2030
- 40% of electricity
- Current renewable energy capacity
- 25% of total installed capacity
- Optimal fluid for ORC
- R 1233zd (E)