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

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.

Automated summary

The history of the CSP industry has seen cycles of boom and bust, with recent Chinese support and low-cost projects driving a new boom phase. Despite strong cost reductions and industry strengthening, the thin project pipeline and cancellation of major support schemes in China bring uncertainty for the future.