Status and Future Development Prospects of CSP

Abstract

As a type of energy which is clean, renewable and pollution-free, solar energy possesses a large amount of reserves but its energy flux density is low. Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology is an effective way of utilizing solar energy, which can be a replacement of thermal power. By ways of realizing peak load regulation in the grid, and greatly improving the transmission capacity of the power grid, CSP can provide a solution to the problem of abandoning wind and light in northwest China, and promote the sustainable development of clean energy in the whole country. In this paper, the key technologies of CSP are reviewed, and the present developing situations at home and abroad are summarized. In addition, the problems of CSP industry are analyzed and a series of solutions are proposed. Finally, the future directions of CSP and several improving measures are prospected.