Competitive solar thermal power stations until 2010—the challenge of market introduction

Solar thermal power stations based on parabolic trough concentrating collectors can soon become a competitive option on the world’s electricity market, if the market extension of this mature technology is supported by a concerted, medium-term programme capable of bundling the forces of industry, finance, insurance and politics. Technical improvement based on the experience of over ten years of successful operation, series production and economies of scale will lead to a further cost reduction of 50% and to electricity costs of less than 0.06 US$/kWh for hybrid steam cycles and less than 0.038 US$/kWh for hybrid combined cycles, respectively. Until 2010, a capacity of 7 GW shall be installed, avoiding 16 million tons of carbon dioxide per year at an avoidance cost of 2.5 US$/ton. The SYNTHESIS programme comprises a total investment of 16 billion US$ and requires additional start-up funding of 6%. The bulk investment volume and at least two third of the start-up funding is covered by private finance.