The Sun That Never Sets: How MEI Scientists Changed the Future of Energy
An innovative solar power plant developed at Russia’s National Research University 'Moscow Power Engineering Institute' (MEI) can generate electricity around the clock—even at night. This is not science fiction but a reality created by Russian researchers.
Efficiency and Scale
MEI scientists have unveiled a revolutionary solar power station capable of producing electricity 24 hours a day. Led by Professor Ruslan Tsgoev of the Department of Hydropower and Renewable Energy Sources, the project combines cutting-edge technologies: heliostat mirrors that concentrate sunlight and a thermal storage system using molten solid-phase material heated to 565 °C.
During the day, part of the energy is converted directly into steam for the turbine, while excess heat is stored. At night, this heat is used through a heat exchanger to produce steam again, ensuring continuous generation for up to nine hours. This approach fundamentally addresses the key limitation of solar energy—its dependence on daylight.
The station’s key advantage is its 32% efficiency rate, 7.4 percentage points higher than current global averages. Thanks to energy storage, annual generation increases by about 15%, which is critical for both economics and energy balance.
The plant can deliver electricity even during nighttime and adverse weather by feeding stored heat back into operation. This significantly improves performance and ensures uninterrupted energy production.
The system is equipped with a second block of heliostat mirrors and heat storage units. During the day, one block generates steam for the turbine while the other accumulates energy as molten salt heated to 565 °C. At night, stored heat is released through the heat exchanger to keep the turbine running.
Unlike many foreign systems, where heat storage is often limited in time and efficiency, MEI’s design offers a stable day–night cycle.
Significance for Russia: From the Arctic to the Digital Economy
For Russia, with its vast territory and numerous remote regions, this technology is not just an innovation but a strategic asset. It paves the way for energy autonomy in hard-to-reach and Arctic areas.
Import substitution was also a design priority: 85% of the equipment was built with domestic components, strengthening the country’s technological sovereignty.
Global Context and Prospects
Over the past five years, concentrated solar power (CSP) research has advanced worldwide. In Spain and the United States, solar steam plants with molten salt storage have been studied, but most operate only during daylight and rarely exceed 25% efficiency.
MEI’s solution stands out not only for its high efficiency but also for its practical feasibility. It can be adapted for developing energy markets where reliable, low-cost power is in demand. Interest in round-the-clock solar generation is growing, and combining solar with thermal systems is a global trend.
The Future Is Here: Forecasts and Development
In the next two to three years, pilot projects are planned across Russia—from the Far East to Siberia. The broader goal is large-scale deployment and export to countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Integration with hybrid systems is also under consideration, including combinations with wind power and the use of AI for load optimization and storage management. This could enable fully autonomous energy complexes.
MEI’s solar station is not just a scientific breakthrough but a milestone in Russian energy development. It combines efficiency, reliability, and global potential. In the context of the global energy transition, Russia can become not only a consumer but also a supplier of future-ready solutions.
