Aenert news. Energy Trends
The development of renewable energy is a crucial step in addressing climate change and ensuring sustainable economic growth, creating new jobs and developing energy security. IRENA's LEVERAGING LOCAL CAPACITY series examines concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, which, although not yet widespread, is potentially an important player in the renewable energy market, providing a range of socio-economic benefits and advantages.
Unlike photovoltaic (PV) systems, CSP can generate electricity even when the sun is not shining, making it an efficient energy source. However, its slow adoption and diffusion is associated with a number of challenges, such as high initial costs and competition from other renewable technologies such as photovoltaic and wind, whose energy costs are lower than those of CSP. At the same time, its integration with thermal energy storage (TES) systems makes it an essential component for stabilizing power systems and ensuring security of supply.
According to the Report, the global CSP capacity grew five-fold over the past decade, rising from 1.2 gigawatts (GW) in 2010 to 6.4 GW in 2020. However, growth has since plateaued. In a Paris Agreement-aligned scenario, global CSP capacity must reach 196.7 GW by 2030 and 872.6 GW by 2050, requiring cumulative investments of USD 657 billion by 2030 and an additional USD 1.83 trillion from 2030 to 2050.

Molten salt tower solar thermal power station panorama, China. Envato Elements. LXDBQFWYM3

The renewable energy sector employed approximately 16.2 million people worldwide in 2023, and the expansion of CSP alone could create to 767,000 jobs by 2050. Jobs are mainly concentrated in engineering, procurement, and construction (46%), and operation and maintenance (42%), with a smaller portion in manufacturing (9%).

The Report pays special attention to Spain as a leader in CSP innovation globally. The country is among Europe’s most solar resource–rich regions having the highest solar irradiation in the European Union. As of 2023, Spain's total installed capacity exceeds 2.3 GW, accounting for 33% of the global total. Furthermore, by 2030, the operational installed CSP capacity is expected to reach 4.8 GW, more than double the current capacity, contributing 3% to the total electricity generation mix, up from the current 2%.

Aenert photos. Parabolic Solar Trough

Spain is followed by USA and China, two countries, in which CSP is represented at a more or less significant level. It should be noted that the US and Spain have been the focus of pioneering efforts in CSP, mainly utilizing parabolic trough and power tower technologies.

In addition to the top three, the list of countries with noteworthy CSP capacity includes the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Morocco, India and Israel.

Looking at CSP capacity by technology, the clear leader by a wide margin is Parabolic Trough technology, followed by Power Tower and linear Fresnel technologies.

Experts consider that CSP can play a key role in energy security, especially for import-dependent countries, by providing energy storage and stabilizing the energy system. The full potential of CSPs can be realized through policies that foster local industry growth, encourage innovation and engage communities. Strategic policies can ensure that the socio-economic benefits of CSP are widely shared and support the long-term sustainability of renewable energy projects.

By the Editorial Board                                                                                                                                                        Download PDF version