Reports on CSP Model Based Assessment

Concentrating solar power (CSP) is one of the few renewable power technologies capable of generating dispatchable electricity on demand. As such, it could have a key role to play in the transition of the European power system, both to supply bulk renewable power and to balance fluctuating wind power and solar PV. Despite this, CSP is a non-issue on most European policy agendas.

This report assesses a series of potential impacts associated to the future deployment of CSP cooperation projects, such as socioeconomic, social and environmental impacts. These have not been accounted for in the modeling exercise but may become an obstacle or a driver for the successful deployment of such projects.

This report informs on a model - based assessment of the future market uptake of CSP in Europe. The modelling works undertaken combined two core elements: a power system analysis, identifying the need for CSP in a decarbonised European electricity system of tomorrow, and an energy policy analysis to assess implications for and impacts of dedicated support policies for CSP and other renewables.

The objective of this report is twofold. On one hand, to review the current cooperative initiatives that have been launched over the past years in the European Union, study their characteristics and achievements and outline the lessons learned. On the other hand, to assess competitive dispatchable RES technologies that could be utilised for achieving high RES penetration scenarios, especially if the long-term European decarbonisation strategy for 2050 is considered.