Abstract: There is disclosed a method of generating superheated steam for use in power generation. The method comprises: (a) preheating feed water to a temperature below its boiling point; (b) boiling the preheated feed water to produce steam; and (c) superheating the steam. The feed water is boiled by heat exchange with a heat transfer fluid which has been heated by heat collected in a first solar radiation absorption device. In addition, one or other or both of the preheating and superheating is carried out by direct heating in a further solar radiation absorption device or devices. The invention also relates to an apparatus for generating superheated steam for use in power generation.