- China’s CSP industry drives global clean energy transition by advancing large-scale solar thermal development and strengthening energy security.
- The industry drives the global clean energy transition by expanding technological self-reliance and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy worldwide.
China’s concentrated solar power (CSP) industry continues to gather remarkable momentum, firmly establishing itself as a significant engine of global clean energy transformation. A striking example of this progress is the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project in Shanshan County, Xinjiang, captured in a recent aerial drone image. The project symbolises the speed at which China is scaling up advanced solar technologies and reshaping the renewable energy landscape.
Over the past four years, China has expanded its CSP capacity at an impressive pace. From 2020 to 2024, the country recorded a compound annual growth rate of 11.7 per cent. In contrast, global CSP growth stood at only 4.24 per cent during the same period. This significant divergence demonstrates China’s emergence as one of the world’s most influential contributors to clean energy deployment. Moreover, it underscores the strength of its long-term commitment to energy transition.
CSP technology plays a distinctive role within the renewable energy mix. Unlike conventional photovoltaic systems, CSP uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight, producing heat that drives a turbine. Because the system incorporates thermal energy storage, it generates dispatchable electricity. Therefore, CSP provides steady power even without sunlight, making it crucial for grid stability and national energy security.
By the end of September, China’s installed CSP capacity had reached 1.57 million kilowatts across 21 operational power stations, according to Yang Kun, Executive Vice-Chairman of the China Electricity Council. Additionally, the country is constructing 30 new CSP projects totalling 3.10 million kilowatts. This extraordinary level of activity positions China as the leading driver of global CSP expansion.
Technological advancement continues to accelerate. Domestic enterprises have driven the localisation rate of CSP equipment and technology to over 95 per cent. Consequently, project costs continue to fall, allowing China to strengthen its competitive edge.
Prominent industry leaders, including China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), are advancing integrated solar thermal and energy-storage systems. Their efforts illustrate the rapid pace of innovation shaping the industry’s future.
Looking forward, forecasts signal sustained global growth. International CSP capacity is expected to reach 22.4 million kilowatts by 2030. Furthermore, solar thermal power could supply around 10 percent of global electricity by 2050. As China maintains its leadership, the CSP industry will play a crucial role in driving the global clean energy transition and supporting a more resilient, low-carbon future.