In 2010, global CSP investments primarily came from Spain and the US. Of total investments in 2010, 59.2% were made in Spain and 28.8% in the US. Spain also recorded the highest number of installations in 2010. Annual CSP capacity additions reached 350MW in 2010 due to the introduction of the FIT scheme.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Regulations & Investment
Contributed by | Global Data
"Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) -Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Regulations & Investment Analysis to 2020" is the latest report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialists that offer comprehensive information and understanding of the Global Concentrated Solar Power market. The research provides an understanding of the technology, key drivers and challenges in the global concentrated solar power market. It also provides historical and forecast data to 2020 for installed capacity and power generation. The report details the cost analysis and investment analysis in the global concentrated solar power market. The report analyses concentrated solar power initiatives with policy framework in key countries such as the US, Spain and Australia. The report is built using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GlobalData’s Team of industry experts.
Global Cumulative Installations to Reach 70.8 GW by 2020
CSP is an upcoming renewable market which promises to provide cost-effective power generation with improved efficiency. The global CSP market is highly concentrated, with the US and Spain dominating the market. Strong government support through financial incentives has driven market growth in these nations. The Southwest US has the most potential for CSP generation. Other areas with significant potential include the Middle East, Mediterranean countries, and areas in Eastern and Central Asia.
Aside from land and environmental constraints, high capital costs and grid infrastructure play an important role in deciding the future growth of the CSP market. Utility companies play an important role for CSP producers, as they purchase electricity produced at a premium rate.
Government Support Plays a Crucial Role
A key determinant for CSP market trends is government policies, as the market is relatively young. Presently, the CSP market is characterized by the high cost of power generation and the challenges of achieving economies of scale. However, government support through FIT is driving investment in the market. Additionally, regulations which require utility companies to purchase a certain portion of electricity from renewable sources, particularly solar sources, encourage private entities to enter the CSP market.
Government support is a critical determining factor for the future of the CSP market due to a number of limiting factors. These factors include: grid infrastructure, high capital costs, the availability of land and environmental issues.
The US and Spain are Key Countries for the Industry
The global CSP market is highly concentrated, with the US and Spain dominating the market. Strong government support through financial incentives has driven market growth in these nations. Spain is global leader for CSP technology through use of the country’s abundant sunlight resources. Spain entered the CSP market in 2007 with establishment of the PS10 solar tower, which has a capacity of 11MW. Until 2010, cumulative installed capacity in Spain reached 582.4MW and Spain became the highest CSP installed country in the world. The US is the second largest CSP market in the world and represented over 44% of global total installed capacity in 2010. The first CSP plant, SEGS 1, came into operation in 1985 with an installed capacity of 14MW in the Mojave Desert, California. This was an ideal location for CSP power generation as it had the highest solar installation potential in the country.
Financial Support Provides Strength for CSP Investment
The high cost of installation results in elevated power generation costs, and this is a challenge for investment in renewable sources such as CSP. However, financial incentives such as fixed premium payments for power generated from solar thermal energy will encourage industry investments. Furthermore, the US and Spanish governments are encouraging investors through the offer of loans and grants to establish a plant.
In 2010, global CSP investments primarily came from Spain and the US. Of total investments in 2010, 59.2% were made in Spain and 28.8% in the US. Spain also recorded the highest number of installations in 2010. Annual CSP capacity additions reached 350MW in 2010 due to the introduction of the FIT scheme.
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