The near- to mid-term outlook for concentrating solar power: mostly cloudy, chance of sun

Lilliestam J, Ollier L, Labordena M, Pfenninger S, Thonig R (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Energy Sources Part B-Economics Planning and Policy Taylor & Francis

Book Volume: 16

Pages Range: 23-41

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1080/15567249.2020.1773580

Abstract

The history of concentrating solar power (CSP) is characterized by a boom-bust pattern caused by policy support changes. Following the 2014–2016 bust phase, the combination of Chinese support and several low-cost projects triggered a new boom phase. We investigate the near- to mid-term cost, industry, market and policy outlook for the global CSP sector and show that CSP costs have decreased strongly and approach cost-competitiveness with new conventional generation. Industry has been strengthened through the entry of numerous new companies. However, the project pipeline is thin: no project broke ground in 2019 and only four projects are under construction in 2020. The only remaining large support scheme, in China, has been canceled. Without additional support soon creating a new market, the value chain may collapse and recent cost and technological advances may be undone. If policy support is renewed, however, the global CSP sector is prepared for a bright future.

Authors with CRIS profile

Johan Lilliestam

Additional Organisation(s)

Lehrstuhl für Sustainability Transition Policy

Involved external institutions

Universität Potsdam DE Germany (DE) Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETHZ) / Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Lilliestam, J., Ollier, L., Labordena, M., Pfenninger, S., & Thonig, R. (2021). The near- to mid-term outlook for concentrating solar power: mostly cloudy, chance of sun. Energy Sources Part B-Economics Planning and Policy, 16(1), 23-41. https://doi.org/10.1080/15567249.2020.1773580

MLA:

Lilliestam, Johan, et al. "The near- to mid-term outlook for concentrating solar power: mostly cloudy, chance of sun." Energy Sources Part B-Economics Planning and Policy 16.1 (2021): 23-41.

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