11.1 Global and regional policies supporting CSP development

Global policies play a crucial role in driving CSP development. From financial incentives like feed-in tariffs to renewable energy mandates, governments worldwide are creating frameworks to support clean energy adoption. These policies aim to level the playing field for CSP and other renewables.

International agreements like the Paris Agreement further bolster CSP growth. By setting ambitious climate targets and fostering cooperation, these initiatives create a supportive environment for CSP expansion. Regional partnerships and technology transfer programs help spread CSP adoption across borders.

Financial Incentives

Feed-in Tariffs and Tax Incentives

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• Feed-in tariffs guarantee fixed electricity prices for renewable energy producers
• Long-term contracts typically span 15-20 years, providing financial stability
• Prices often decrease over time to encourage technological improvements
• Tax incentives reduce financial burden for CSP project developers
• Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) allow deduction of a percentage of project costs from taxes
• Production Tax Credits (PTCs) provide tax benefits based on electricity generation

Green Certificates and Market-Based Mechanisms

• Green certificates represent the environmental value of renewable energy production
• Tradable on open markets, creating additional revenue streams for CSP operators
• Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in the United States certify 1 MWh of clean energy
• Quota systems require utilities to source specific percentages of electricity from renewables
• Compliance often achieved through purchasing green certificates
• Carbon pricing mechanisms (carbon taxes, cap-and-trade) indirectly benefit CSP by increasing costs for fossil fuel competitors

Renewable Energy Mandates

Renewable Portfolio Standards and Targets

• Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) mandate utilities to source specific percentages of electricity from renewables
• Targets typically increase over time (20% by 2020, 30% by 2030)
• Carve-outs within RPS may specify technology-specific targets (solar, wind)
• Renewable energy targets set national or regional goals for renewable energy adoption
• Often expressed as percentage of total energy mix or installed capacity
• Targets guide policy development and investment decisions

Clean Energy Transition Policies

• Phase-out policies for fossil fuel technologies (coal plant retirements)
• Grid modernization initiatives to accommodate higher renewable energy penetration
• Energy storage mandates to address intermittency of solar and wind
• Electrification policies for transportation and heating sectors increase demand for clean electricity
• Just transition programs support workers and communities affected by shift away from fossil fuels
• Research and development funding for advanced CSP technologies and thermal energy storage

International Agreements

Paris Agreement and Global Climate Action

• Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels
• Signatory countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) outlining emissions reduction plans
• Global stocktake process assesses collective progress towards Paris Agreement goals
• Climate finance mechanisms support developing countries in mitigation and adaptation efforts
• Technology transfer initiatives facilitate adoption of CSP and other clean energy technologies
• Capacity building programs enhance ability of countries to implement climate action plans

Regional Cooperation and Bilateral Initiatives

• European Union's Renewable Energy Directive sets binding targets for member states
• African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) aims to achieve 10 GW of new renewable capacity by 2020
• DESERTEC concept envisions large-scale CSP development in North Africa to power Europe
• US-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) facilitates joint R&D in solar technologies
• International Solar Alliance (ISA) promotes solar energy adoption in tropical countries
• Regional power pools and cross-border transmission projects enable sharing of CSP resources