ANALYSISCSP
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.
Globally, there are less than 10 companies which develop CSP plants. In 2010, Abengoa Solar of Spain installed 37.8% of total global annual installations. This was followed by Acciona Energia of Spain and Florida Power & Light Company. ACS Cobra Group and SAMCA Group followed with 11.0% and 11.0%, respectively, in 2010.
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.
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.
© 2011 Angel Business Communications. Permission required
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
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www.solar-pv-uk.com Issue IV 2011
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