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Green technology

Sustainable Energy Breakthrough: Solar-Powered Multi-Generation System Achieves High Efficiency and Economic Viability

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Genoa have made a groundbreaking discovery in sustainable energy, developing a solar-powered multi-generation system (MGS) that integrates various technologies to produce electricity, cooling, potable water, and hydrogen with high energy and exergy efficiencies. This innovative system, supported by the European Union, has demonstrated strong economic performance, with a net present value of approximately USD 8 million, an internal rate of return of 30%, and a payback period of 3.8 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MGS system integrates parabolic trough collectors, thermal energy storage, an organic Rankine cycle, an absorption refrigeration cycle, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and a reverse osmosis unit to produce multiple outputs.
  • The system achieved energy and exergy efficiencies of 12.2% and 4.3%, respectively, with the highest energy efficiency found in the proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (58.6%) and the lowest in the organic Rankine cycle (7.4%).
  • The system demonstrated strong economic performance, with a net present value of USD 8 million, an internal rate of return of 30%, and a payback period of 3.8 years.
  • Sensitivity analysis showed that increasing solar radiation reduces the number of required parabolic trough collectors and shortens the payback time, with less effect on energy and exergy efficiencies due to increased thermal and radiative losses.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Thermal Science and Engineering Progress.
  • The study highlights the potential of the MGS system for sustainable energy production, hydrogen production, and water treatment.

Statistics:

  • Energy efficiency: 12.2%
  • Exergy efficiency: 4.3%
  • Net present value: USD 8 million
  • Internal rate of return: 30%
  • Payback period: 3.8 years
  • Number of required parabolic trough collectors: reduced with increasing solar radiation
  • Thermal and radiative losses: increased with higher solar radiation

Sources:

  • Techno-economic and Environmental Assessment of a Solar-powered Multi-generation System for a Sustainable Energy, Hydrogen and Fresh-water Production. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 2025;65.
  • NewsRx. Reports Outline Sustainable Energy Study Findings from University of Genoa (Techno-economic and Environmental Assessment of a Solar-powered Multi-generation System for a Sustainable Energy, Hydrogen and Fresh-water Production). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. September 26, 2025; p 426.

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