Propose the required policies to enable these projects

The last step of our philosophy is to propose the required policies to enable CSP projects. To this end, MUSTEC deals with the identification and description of a set of possible futures (policy pathways) for the European power system, focusing on identifying the need for flexibility to be provided by CSP traded between European countries as a function of the sum of a large number of concrete and specific near- and mid-term policy decisions on the European level and in key Member States. Hence, we focus on the political and social drivers and barriers for European CSP uptake, by describing how a broad range of specific decisions trigger or reduce a need for CSP.

Then, we proceed with a forward-looking model-based analysis of the costs and benefits of an enhanced take up of CSP, done in an integrative manner. The identification of costs and benefits under varying scenario conditions forms the quantitative model-based assessment, whereby a specific focus is set on strategic power system and grid analyses and on the identification of necessary energy policy prerequisites. RES cooperation across the European Union by 2030 and beyond will serve as key policy option that may lay the path for a CSP take off, and this will be contrasted with cases of following more narrow policy patterns where national or regional solutions are in focus.

We also realize a complementary impact assessment of those aspects which have not been accounted for in the modelling exercise, but may become an obstacle or a driver for the successful deployment of the CSP projects. Examples of the impacts include: bottom up sustainability assessment of identified CSP cooperation projects (socio-economic, social and environmental impacts), geopolitical feasibility and energy security implications.

Finally, we will consolidate the overall MUSTEC findings, to develop concrete roadmaps and action plans to support the realization of CSP cooperation projects in Southern Europe.