BUSINESSANALYSIS
globally. The total global installed solar PV power generation capacity grew by 47% from 15,599MW in 2008 to 22,929MW in 2009, primarily driven by large scale solar PV installations in Europe which recorded a 54% growth in capacity installations of solar PV in 2009 compared to 2008. Credit Suisse estimates the cost of power generation from solar PV technologies range from US$110– 200 per MWh.
Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies
Concentrating solar power technologies (CSP) (also called indirect solar technologies) serve the dual purpose of generating heat and electricity through solar power.
Solar power in Europe
The solar energy used by CSP technologies is measured as direct normal irradiance (DNI), which is the energy received on the Earth’s surface tracked perpendicular to the Sun’s rays, measured in kWh per meters squared per year units. There are predominantly four types of CSP technologies namely parabolic troughs, parabolic dishes, solar towers, and Linear Fresnel Reflectors.
The key advantage of CSP technologies compared to direct solar technologies is their compatibility with heat storage system, which helps to continue power generation after sunset.
The most prominent heat storage systems used in CSP technologies include pressurized steam- based, concrete-based, and molten salt-based heat storage of which, molten salt is the most efficient heat storage system used commercially.
The total global installed power generation capacity of CSP technology was 817MW in 2010 (until May) with 22.7% growth compared to 2008. The installations in CSP technologies started recording strong growth from 2008 onward due to advancements in storage as well power generation technologies. The key players operating in CSP equipment manufacturing space include Abengoa, Siemens, Solar Millennium AG, Acciona Solar Power, and Ausra. According to Credit Suisse, the power generation cost of indirect solar technologies is estimated to range from US$70–125 per MWh with current level of subsidies.
Europe’s installed solar PV power generation capacity grew 54% from 10,429MW in 2008 to 16,066MW in 2009. Solar power growth in Europe was largely driven by the EU’s carbon emission reduction targets.
According to the European Commission’s Institute of Energy, as of May 2010, the total installed European power generation capacity of CSP plants was 382MW, accounting for 47% of the total installed global CSP power generation capacity. Europe can be termed as the birth-place for solar supporting legislation. There are 29 countries in Europe (EU27 plus Albania and Croatia) enacting legislation to promote renewables which is highest compared to any other region. The key legislation in major European countries which support solar power include the FIT and bonus, tax credits, grants and subsidies.
The EU countries are likely to continue as the major growth area for solar power in Europe. The installed renewable power generation capacity in the EU may reach 512GW by 2020 as a part of the EU’s overall carbon emission reduction targets, according to REN21.
Out of the total 512GW renewable capacity, solar power is expected to have a share of close to 20% which will include both solar PV and CSP technologies. The growth of solar power in the EU will primarily be driven by Germany, Spain, and Italy. Germany, as a part of its contribution to the EU’s carbon emission reduction target, aims to generate 35.2% of its electricity from renewables
Out of the total 512GW renewable capacity, solar power is expected to have a share of close to 20% which will include both solar PV and CSP technologies. The growth of solar power in the EU will primarily be driven by Germany, Spain, and Italy
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www.solar-pv-management.com Issue IX 2010
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