Archimede Solar Energy SRL, a joint venture between Angelantoni Industrie SPA and Siemens Energy, has begun building a new solar receiver production facility in Massa Martana, Italy. When it reaches operation in early 2011, the plant will have an annual production capacity of approximately 75,000 solar receivers.

The plant's capacity will then be increased to 140,000 tubes per year. The solar receivers produced will use molten salt as a heat-transfer medium, instead of thermo oil. The use of molten salt can significantly increase the efficiency of solar thermal power plants, according to the companies, and it can also be used for energy storage.