AREVA installs solar test centre in France

AREVA has installed a solar testing centre at the Beaumont-Hague site in France, for its concentrating solar power technology and developing the French industrial know-how.

The company has installed the test centre to research the surface coating of receiver tubes and optimise the performance of its compact linear fresnel reflector (CLFR) technology.

The CLFR technology uses mirrors to concentrate the sun rays towards receivers which contain tubes to vaporise the water flowing through them and producing superheated steam which is then used for industrial processes or to generate electricity.

A team of 15 experts will collaborate on the development of the next generation of tubes which will equip AREVA’s thermodynamic solar power plants.

AREVA Renewables CEO Louis-François Durret said the company is actively contributing towards the development of French industrial know-how, with the help of the implementation of strategic activities with high added value for the group.

"This project is a key investment for AREVA, since it represents the future of CLFR technology," Durret added.

A group of 80 researchers is already working on nearly 3,000 m² of pilot facilities to develop the project in the Research Hall of Beaumont-Hague.

The test centre is expected to become operational by the end of 2012.

Areva is a French public multinational industrial conglomerate is mainly focused on nuclear power and it also has interests in other energy projects.