China Aims for 15GW Concentrated Solar Power by 2030, Exploring New Business Models
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) have released the "15th Five-Year Plan for Renewable Energy Development," emphasizing the scaled deployment of concentrated solar power (CSP). The plan advocates for integrating CSP into large-scale wind and solar photovoltaic bases, positioning it as a fundamental power source. Several regions, including Qinghai, Xinjiang, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet, are designated for the construction of high-capacity CSP power stations intended for local consumption. Furthermore, the plan encourages the synergistic development of CSP with industrial sectors and explores novel business models such as direct green power connections powered by CSP. It also supports the development of small-scale CSP systems tailored to local conditions. The overarching goal is to achieve a national CSP installed capacity of 15 million kilowatts (15 GW) by 2030.
This policy signals China's strategic intent to leverage concentrated solar power as a stable, dispatchable renewable energy source, complementing intermittent wind and solar. By integrating CSP into large-scale renewable energy bases and promoting its use as a foundational power source for direct green power connections, China aims to enhance grid stability and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. The target of 15 GW by 2030 suggests a significant investment in CSP technology and infrastructure. This approach could foster innovation in energy storage and grid management, potentially creating new economic opportunities while addressing the challenges of renewable energy integration. The focus on localized CSP deployment also indicates a strategy to balance national energy goals with regional development needs.
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