CSP can deliver greater grid stability than photovoltaics, but needs better recognition of its value to be competitive.
Concentrated solar power's failure to gain momentum in U.S. markets is a signal that traditional resource valuations may be slowing the energy transition, a February CSP conference made clear.
CSP, which converts the sun's heat to electricity, was once dominant, then faded when photovoltaic (PV) solar, which turns the sun's light into electricity, plummeted in price. But unlike CSP, PV, even with batteries, cannot provide the long-duration, dispatchable generation that high-renewables power systems will need, conference participants said.
More information: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/cheapest-is-not-always-best-concentrated-solar-power-could-beat-lower-pric/574154/