A solar thermal power plant is provided, comprising a solar collection system configured for utilizing incident solar radiation to heat a heat transfer fluid (HTF), and a power block configured for utilizing the heated HTF to generate power. The solar collection system comprises a plurality of pipes for carrying the HTF and being characterized by a first degree of permeability to hydrogen, at least some of the pipes comprising portions exposed to the atmosphere and comprising a membrane made of a material characterized by a second degree of permeability to hydrogen being higher than the first degree of permeability to hydrogen.