Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

The Role of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) in Global Energy Transition

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) recently released a report on leveraging local capacity in the deployment of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). The report emphasizes that while transitioning to renewable energy is essential to combat the climate crisis, it also presents opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and improved energy security.

CSP technology, which harnesses solar energy using mirrors to generate heat and electricity, has witnessed substantial growth. Global CSP capacity surged from 1.2 GW in 2010 to 6.4 GW in 2020, although its expansion has slowed in recent years. The report highlights the crucial role CSP can play in stabilizing power grids and enhancing energy security, particularly for countries reliant on energy imports.

To align with the Paris Agreement targets, global CSP capacity needs to reach 196.7 GW by 2030 and 872.6 GW by 2050. Achieving this would require significant investments—USD 657 billion by 2030 and an additional USD 1.83 trillion from 2030 to 2050. Alongside this expansion, CSP employment is projected to rise significantly from the current 80,000 jobs to 767,000 jobs globally.

The job potential in CSP is substantial, as building a 100 MW CSP plant with ten-hour thermal energy storage demands approximately 1.16 million person-days. The report provides policymakers with valuable insights into the skills and workforce needed across CSP's value chain, covering construction, operation, and decommissioning.

Despite its benefits, CSP deployment requires strategic investments and supportive policies to accelerate its adoption. If effectively implemented, CSP could become a key contributor to clean energy generation, economic development, and job creation worldwide.