Odeillo solar furnace
Odeillo solar furnace is a research facility in Fort-Romeu-Odeillo-Via in the south of France. At 54 m (177 ft) tall and 48 m (157 ft) wide, it is the world’s largest solar furnace.
The furnace was built between 1962 and 1968, and became operational in 1970, used to study materials at very high temperatures.
The furnace consists of a large concave mirror measuring nearly 2,000 sq. m, which reflects sunlight onto a small focal point that reaches temperatures of more than 3,000ºC (5,430ºF). Opposite the mirror are hundreds of flat mirrors angled so that they reflect the sun’s rays onto the mirror.
It is used for several purposes, including melting steel, generating electricity via a steam turbine, making hydrogen fuels, testing re-entry materials for space vehicles, and performing high-temperature metallurgic experiments.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.