Chevron has constructed a solar thermal "power tower" to help recover oil from fields in Colinga, California. Almost 8,000 mirrors focus the sun's rays on the tower, which turns water into steam. The steam from the tower then is injected into the ground to help the oil move more freely, increasing recovery efficiency. Previously, the steam was produced by burning natural gas, a process that added to carbon emissions. The new solar steam does not produce carbon, and therefore helps Chevron's image as a environment friendly company.
While the idea of solar steam is a good one, the technology is costly and takes up a large area. Chevron reported a $40 million loss on the project as of last march. The site also takes up over 64 acres of land. Will power towers like this come to replace traditional means of steam production? Probably not in the near future, but maybe some day down the road.
This might be good idea in the future but not right now since Chevron is not doing well overall and spending this much money is not doing them as good. Even though they are trying to be environmental friendly to attract more customers and hijack the price.
ReplyDeleteWell, while Chevron has lost money on the project overall I think that 40 million dollars is pocket change for a global company like Chevron. With time I think the program could become more economically efficient.
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