China's photo-thermal power generation reaches an international level

The National Energy Administration recently conducted a scientific and technological achievement appraisal of the "Key Technology and Demonstration of Trough Solar Collector System" project, developed by Changzhou Longteng Solar Thermal Power Equipment Co., Ltd. The evaluation highlighted that the technology has been successfully applied in China's solar thermal power projects, demonstrating strong potential for large-scale deployment. Xu Jianzhong, director of the appraisal committee and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasized that the technical achievements have reached international advanced levels. He recommended accelerating the industrialization of these technologies and promoting their application in concentrated solar power (CSP) projects to support the growth of the sector. This project marks a significant breakthrough in China’s integration of trough thermal power generation systems and key industrial components, offering technical and economic guarantees for the construction of large-scale solar thermal power plants. It is expected to greatly boost the development of CSP in China. In 2012, Changzhou Longteng Solar self-funded and implemented the first commercial demonstration project of a trough concentrating heat collection system in Inner Mongolia. This was the world's first such project in a high-latitude, high-altitude region with extreme weather conditions. The project received certification from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), making it a critical milestone for future large-scale solar thermal power stations in central and western China. Yu Ke, general manager of Changzhou Longteng Solar Thermal Power Equipment Co., Ltd., noted that the heat collection field system is the core of a solar thermal power plant, accounting for 40%–50% of the total investment. The successful operation of the demonstration project showed that China’s CSP technology has made major progress in domestic production and use, providing practical experience and data to support the goal of achieving 1,000 MW of installed capacity under the 12th Five-Year Plan. Concentrating solar power (CSP) involves using a concentrating heat-collecting system to efficiently capture solar thermal energy and then converting it into electricity through conventional thermoelectric methods. Compared to other renewable energy sources, CSP offers several advantages: high solar energy utilization efficiency (over 70%), good compatibility with existing thermal power systems, the ability to generate continuous power through large-scale heat storage, and proven commercial operation with lower technical risks. China has set ambitious targets for CSP, aiming for 1,000 MW of installed capacity by 2015 and 3,000 MW by 2020. These goals are expected to drive significant investment, stimulate industries like steel, logistics, and construction, and contribute to energy conservation and environmental protection. Despite these opportunities, challenges remain. Many projects rely on foreign designs and technologies, which may not be suitable for China’s harsh environments. As a result, there are still no 50 MW CSP plants currently under construction in the country. Globally, the CSP market is growing rapidly. By mid-2013, over 3 GW of CSP capacity had been installed in countries like the U.S., Spain, and Australia, with more than 2 GW under construction and over 30 GW planned. Major companies from around the world are entering this emerging market. Solar thermal power and photovoltaic power generation differ significantly. While PV directly converts sunlight into electricity, CSP uses concentrated sunlight to generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity. CSP also has higher solar energy utilization efficiency and broader applications, including base-load power supply and industrial heating. The CSP industry chain also has a greater impact on traditional sectors, stimulating downstream industries such as steel, glass, and high-end manufacturing. As China develops its own CSP projects, establishing a domestic industrial chain based on local technologies will be essential for long-term growth. With the right policies and continued innovation, China is well-positioned to become a global leader in CSP technology. The success of the Inner Mongolia project serves as a model for future developments, showing that with proper support, CSP can play a vital role in the nation’s clean energy transition.

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