BrightSource Energy is an enterprise focused on developing technology for deriving large scale solar power.Its Distributed Power Tower (DPT) technology employs an array of small mirrors -Heliostats.The heliostats are designed to focus sunlight directly onto a liquid which generates steam that turns an electricity turbine.These are installed in a Solar Power Cluster(SPC) and each SPC is expected to generate around 20 MW of power.However solar thermal technology is highly dependent upon the geographical conditions and works best in dry sunny areas such as deserts.In addition the installation and construction of such plants tends to be very expensive.There has also been a resurgence in traditional technology that employs solar troughs to heat oil and generate steam using the trapped heat in oil.However Charles Ricker senior vice president marketing, BrightSource emphasized that power towers are more efficient than troughs and require relatively less capital .He argued that DPT technology allows for direct tapping of solar energy to obtain steam rather than employing a transport oil for the same purpose.The recent raising of $115 million has added credence to Ricker’s belief and BrightSource DPT technology.This latest investment comes from Google.org, VantagePoint Venture Partners, BP Alternative Energy, Statoil Hydro Venture, Cargill subsidiary Black River. Existing investors include DBL Investors, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Chevron Technology Ventures.
