The Role of Public Finance in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) – Lessons Learned

Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a promising technology for low-carbon power generation. Thanks to abundant solar resources in the world’s sun belt and its ability to provide flexible and reliable power supply when combined with thermal storage, CSP could play an important role in maintaining a steady power supply in future low-carbon energy systems with high penetrations of fluctuating renewable power from solar photovoltaic and wind. With findings drawn from four case studies and background paper, this policy brief offers recommendations for international finance institutions (IFIs) and developing country policymakers on how to deploy concentrated solar power (CSP) while achieving cost reductions.