China Ranks Second Globally in Operational Concentrated Solar Power Installed Capacity

According to data released by the China Electricity Council at the 2026 Qinghai Clean Energy Development Forum held in Xining on 16 July, China’s concentrated solar power sector has maintained robust expansion, cementing its position as a core driver of global CSP capacity growth. By the end of June 2026, the country had put 24 concentrated solar power projects into full operation, with a cumulative installed capacity reaching 2.1 gigawatts, securing the second-largest operational CSP scale worldwide. Another 26 projects are currently under construction, boasting a total planned installed capacity of 3.2 gigawatts.

Industry statistics show that China’s CSP sector achieves an annual compound growth rate of 11.7 per cent, far exceeding the global average growth level of 4.24 per cent, reflecting strong industrial development momentum and market vitality. Technological innovation underpins the steady upgrading of China’s concentrated solar power industry chain. The country has taken a leading global position in fourth-generation CSP technologies and fully mastered mainstream technical routes including tower, trough and Fresnel power generation systems.

A complete and independent industrial ecosystem for concentrated solar power has been established domestically, with the domestic production rate of core technical equipment exceeding 95 per cent. Key core materials and equipment covering high-temperature heat absorption, thermal energy storage and heat collection have achieved full independent research and development and autonomous control. Continuous optimisation of operational and maintenance technologies further improves the stable and efficient operation capability of domestic CSP power stations.

Concentrated solar power features prominent advantages such as adjustable power output and stable energy storage capacity, serving as an important supporting component of the new power system. To guide the large-scale and high-quality development of the industry, national authorities have issued targeted industrial planning policies. Guidelines jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration in December 2025 set clear medium-term development goals for the sector.

The official policy targets a total national concentrated solar power installed capacity of approximately 15 gigawatts by 2030, driving further scale expansion and technological iteration of the domestic CSP industry. Ongoing advancement of under-construction projects and continuous technological breakthroughs will further consolidate China’s leading edge in the global clean energy sector, supporting the steady low-carbon transformation of the national power system.