China is set to build at least 2 GW of concentrating solar power (CSP) capacity over the next ten years after a deal was sealed between Penglai Electric, a privately-owned Chinese electrical power equipment manufacturer, and California-based eSolar.
The two companies have announced the signing of a master licensing agreement, which will see eSolar’s technology used in what will be China’s largest CSP project.
Groundbreaking of the project’s first 92 MW will take place in 2010, says eSolar.
Penglai Electric plans to develop 2 GW of CSP capacity by 2021, co-locating the plants with biomass electricity generation facilities at the 170 km2 Yulin Alternative Energy Park. China Huadian Engineering Co. will lead the construction process.
The deal marks China’s first major foray into CSP technology, says eSolar.
“Using the power of the sun, eSolar’s technology minimizes the environmental impact on manufacturing and deployment while maximizing land and cost efficiency,” said Liu Guangyu, chairman and CEO of Penglai Electric. “We are extremely grateful to the Chinese government for playing a major role in promoting zero-carbon renewable energy.”
“With Penglai as our partner and with the strong support of the Chinese government, eSolar is proud to be the first company to deliver the benefits of cost-effective solar thermal power to China,” said Bill Gross, founder and chairman of eSolar.
China is currently the market leader in the PV manufacturing industry and the government recently announced plans to increase the country’s renewable power generation capacity to 15 per cent by 2020.
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