For power generation, concentrating solar power (CSP) plays an important role in decarbonising electricity while maintaining electricity security in the Net Zero by 2050 Scenario. For example, global CSP capacity
Demand for large-scale solar thermal plants predicted to grow in 2023, adding to the 571 plants (2.2 GWth capacity) operating today. Decarbonizing the heat sector in neighborhoods and cities 325 solar district heating systems generate
The Solar Heat Worldwide report has been published annually since 2005 within the framework of the Solar Heating and Cooling Technology Collaboration Programme (SHC TCP) of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The first edition of the report included data from 35 countries. The database has been extended to 70 countries over the past 17 years.
According to the IEA Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) TCP, 170 million new solar thermal systems using standard technologies and 120 million new solar thermal systems using emerging technologies will need to be installed by 2030.
Solar thermal technologies can provide high fractions of water heating demand at low capital cost, even in cold climates. They can be used stand-alone or integrated into virtually any type of heating system, regardless of the primary heat source (direct electricity, heat pumps, district heating, biomass, or clean fuels).
In 2023, Europe, Italy, Greece, and Poland are predicted to have a high demand for solar thermal systems. Demand for large-scale solar thermal plants is expected to grow, adding to the 571 plants (2.2 GWth capacity) operating today. 325 solar district heating systems generate 1.8 GWth at costs between 20-50 €/MWh.
In 2023, there were 571 solar thermal plants (2.2 GWth capacity) operating. Demand for large-scale solar thermal plants was predicted to grow, adding to the existing capacity. 325 solar district heating systems generated 1.8 GWth at costs between 20-50 €/MWh. Download Report Press Release Past Issues
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in its latest report Solar Heat Worldwide 2020, the most recent global data shows that during 2019, solar-thermal systems produced 479 gigawatts of energy – generating the same output as 43 million tonnes of oil, and preventing emissions of 38 million tonnes of climate-warming carbon dioxide.
