Identification of international solar thermal project opportunities. Reports from the IEA solarPACES START mission

In October, 1995, the concept of the START Mission (START stands for Solar Thermal Analysis, Review and Training) was developed. The goal of these Missions is to help nations in the above mentioned regions develop a rational approach to the deployment of solar thermal electric systems within their country. Each Mission means the concentrated joint effort of an international team of SolarPACES experts and representatives from their respective country, and may include analyses of appropriate solar thermal power technologies review of specific sites for solar thermal power projects review of the terms of reference for detailed feasibility and implementation studies development of a concept of financial engineering based on the applicable law identification of potential funding sources and options for specific projects comparison of power generation costs in the country. The START Missions are one way in which SolarPACES member countries are presently undertaking to fulfill their strategic objective of reducing the financial, political, commercial and institutional hurdles to market development of solar thermal technologies. These efforts are jointly sponsored by members designated by the governments of Australia, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, Israel, Mexico. Russia. Spain, Switzerland the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the European Commission, with membership in SolarPACES presently under discussion in several other countries.