LUZ II has developed a Solar Energy Development Center (SEDC) that includes a pilot power plant. This pilot solar thermal power plant provides performance measurement and technology demonstration. The pilot plant, located in southern Israel, commenced operations in June 2008.

The Pilot Plant is a test facility for testing the commercial plant technologies. It includes a heliostat field and a 60 meter high power tower with receivers. The goal of the facility is to produce superheated steam, not electricity.

The main pilot project parameters are:

• To produce superheated steam at the same temperature and pressure as a 100 MW Power Plant (540° C; 140 Bar).
• To demonstrate DPT-550 technology performance on a reduced scale.
• To provide facilities for a complete testing program for system evaluation and improvements.

The pilot plant's objectives are:

• Heliostat reflecting area: 12,000 m²
• Number of heliostats: 1641
• Heliostat dimensions: 2.25m x 3.25m
• Reflecting area per heliostat: 7.31 m²
• Distance between rows of heliostats: from 4.2 m to 10 m
• Tower height: 60 m (+ ~15m Receiver)
• Thermal energy on receiver: 6 MWth

See:
The location of the pilot plant.
The layout of the pilot plant
A computer rendered simulation of the Pilot Plant (as seen from the tower)