Core Viewpoint - The solar thermal power industry in China is rapidly developing, becoming a key player in supporting high proportions of renewable energy integration and ensuring the stability of the power system, particularly in the context of the "dual carbon" goals and the construction of a new power system [1][4][13]. Industry Development - As of September 2025, China's solar thermal power generation capacity reached 157,000 kilowatts, ranking third globally [3][7]. - The average annual compound growth rate of China's solar thermal power industry is 11.7%, significantly higher than the global average of 4.24% [3][7]. - The levelized cost of solar thermal power has decreased from 1.15 yuan per kilowatt-hour to approximately 0.6 yuan per kilowatt-hour, indicating a substantial improvement in economic viability [3][11]. Technological Advancements - China has mastered mainstream solar thermal technologies, including tower, trough, and Fresnel systems, with a domestic equipment localization rate exceeding 95% [3][11]. - The country has developed a comprehensive solar thermal power industry chain and has published over 40 relevant standards covering manufacturing, design, construction, and operation [11][14]. Strategic Importance - Solar thermal power is recognized as a stabilizing force in the energy system, effectively addressing challenges posed by high proportions of renewable energy sources [6][8]. - The National Energy Administration has emphasized the strategic role of solar thermal power in its recent policy documents, advocating for its integration as a regulatory power source [8][14]. Project Highlights - The Golmud 350 MW tower solar thermal project, currently under construction, is set to be the largest single-unit solar thermal project globally, expected to generate approximately 960 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually [6][10]. - The successful operation of the 50 MW solar thermal demonstration project in Delingha has provided valuable experience for future large-scale projects [10][11]. Future Outlook - By 2030, global installed capacity for solar thermal power is projected to reach 22.4 million kilowatts, with about 10% of global electricity supply expected to come from solar thermal by 2050 [13]. - The industry is anticipated to transition from being a supplementary power source to a supportive power source as its economic viability and application scale continue to expand [11][15].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese solar thermal power industry is growing at a rate significantly higher than the global average, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.7% compared to the global rate of 4.24% [1] Industry Growth and Capacity - By the end of September 2025, China is expected to have built 21 solar thermal power plants with a total installed capacity of 1.57 million kilowatts, ranking third globally [1] - There are currently 30 projects under construction with an additional capacity of 3.1 million kilowatts, making China a major contributor to new installations in the solar thermal sector [1] Cost Reduction and Technological Advancements - The on-grid electricity price for solar thermal power in China has decreased from 1.15 yuan per kilowatt-hour to approximately 0.6 yuan per kilowatt-hour [1] - The industry is expected to see further cost reductions and enhanced competitiveness during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [1] - China has achieved over 95% localization in technology and equipment for solar thermal power, mastering key technologies such as tower, trough, and Fresnel systems [1] Role of Leading Enterprises - Leading companies like China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) are playing a crucial role in advancing technology independence, having developed innovative products that fill domestic gaps [2] - CGN is constructing a solar thermal molten salt trough test platform, which is the only project in the solar thermal field included in the first batch of the Central Enterprise Technology Achievement Application Expansion Project [2] Industry Scale and Policy Support - The solar thermal power industry chain in China consists of approximately 440,000 entities, including 14,000 state-owned enterprises and 421,000 private enterprises [3] - In 2024, an additional 250,000 kilowatts of solar thermal power capacity is expected to be added, with the total operational capacity exceeding 800,000 kilowatts [3] Future Outlook - The global solar thermal power industry is projected to grow, with installed capacity expected to reach 22.4 million kilowatts by 2030 and about 10% of global electricity supply coming from solar thermal by 2050 [4] - China's theoretical development potential for solar thermal resources exceeds 1 billion kilowatts, primarily located in resource-rich areas such as Xinjiang, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Gansu [4]

Core Insights - China's solar thermal power industry is experiencing rapid growth, with an annual compound growth rate of 11.7%, significantly higher than the global rate of 4.24% [2][6] - The establishment of the Solar Thermal Subcommittee marks a new phase in the industry's development, aiming to enhance collaboration and innovation among stakeholders [7] Industry Growth - From 2020 to 2024, China's solar thermal power capacity is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.7%, while the global rate is only 4.24% [2] - As of September 2025, China has built 21 solar thermal power plants with a total installed capacity of 1.57 million kilowatts, ranking third globally [2] - There are 30 ongoing projects with a combined capacity of 3.1 million kilowatts, making China the leading contributor to new installations in the global solar thermal market [2] Cost Reduction and Competitiveness - The cost of solar thermal power projects in China has decreased significantly, with the grid-connected electricity price dropping from 1.15 yuan per kilowatt-hour to around 0.6 yuan per kilowatt-hour [2] - Further cost reductions are anticipated during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, enhancing the industry's competitiveness [2] Technological Advancements - China's solar thermal power industry has achieved over 95% localization in technology and equipment, with key materials and devices being self-sufficient [3] - Significant breakthroughs have been made in key technologies, such as molten salt and tower-type solar thermal systems, which have effectively reduced project costs and improved system efficiency [5] International Expansion - Successful domestic projects, such as the 50 MW solar thermal demonstration project in Delingha, have provided valuable experience for scaling up future projects [6] - Chinese solar thermal technology has been successfully implemented in international projects, including those in Morocco, South Africa, and Dubai, showcasing China's role in global green development [6] Future Outlook - The solar thermal power industry is poised for unprecedented opportunities under the dual carbon goals, with global installed capacity expected to reach 22.4 million kilowatts by 2030 [7] - By 2050, approximately 10% of global electricity supply is projected to come from solar thermal power [7]