In the heart of China’s ambitious energy transition, a new research overview has emerged, shedding light on the strategic plan for the high-quality development of the country’s solar thermal industry. The study, led by Liping Sun of the China Energy Technology and Economics Research Institute, part of the China Energy Investment Corporation in Beijing, provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future prospects of solar thermal power generation in China.
Solar thermal power generation, a technology that converts sunlight into thermal energy and then into electricity, is gaining traction due to its efficient thermal energy conversion and relatively stable power generation characteristics. As the world intensifies its demand for climate change mitigation and energy transformation, solar thermal energy has emerged as a vital choice for many countries, including China.
The research, published in the journal *Southern Energy Construction* (南方能源建设), provides an overview of the main solar thermal development technologies in China, including tower-type, parabolic trough, and linear fresnel solar thermal power generation. It highlights significant advancements in technological innovation, project construction, and policy support in recent years.
“China has made remarkable progress in solar thermal technology,” says Liping Sun, the lead author of the study. “The country has seen a surge in investment and project construction, driven by the ‘dual carbon’ goals and energy transformation initiatives.”
The study analyzes current solar thermal projects connected to the grid in China, examining aspects such as investment costs, operational power generation, and economic viability. It also looks at projects that are under construction or proposed, providing a comprehensive picture of the industry’s current landscape.
However, the research also identifies several challenges that need to be addressed to promote and apply solar thermal technology in China. These include technical challenges related to system efficiency, integration, and heat storage; high construction and operational costs that affect project economics; market challenges arising from competition and lengthy project approval cycles; policy support issues such as regulatory instability and gaps; and environmental challenges including land use, water consumption, and social acceptance.
To overcome these challenges, the study offers several development recommendations. It suggests that the government should increase investment in research and development of solar thermal technology, enhance core technological innovation, and optimize the assessment and planning of solar thermal resources. Improving resource utilization efficiency and managing large-scale production costs can also help reduce operational expenses and enhance economic viability.
Furthermore, it is essential to refine relevant policies and market mechanisms for solar thermal power generation, providing additional financial incentives and support. Expanding into new markets and regions, fostering international cooperation, and promoting the implementation of solar thermal projects are crucial steps. Strengthening social communication and environmental protection is also vital.
The high-quality development of the solar thermal industry necessitates comprehensive support from the entire sector. As Liping Sun puts it, “The future of solar thermal power generation in China is bright, but it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.”
This research not only provides systematic theoretical support and practical guidance for industry advancement but also underscores the significance of China’s solar thermal technology development for national energy security, environmental protection, and the global energy transition and climate change response. As the world watches, China’s strides in solar thermal power generation could shape the future of the energy sector, offering a cleaner, more sustainable path forward.