Concentrated Solar Power in India: Resource Potential, Economic Assessment, and a Comparative Study of Growth Pathways
Abstract
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is a strategic clean-energy technology for India, combining high-efficiency electricity generation with thermal storage to enable power supply beyond daylight hours. This review maps CSP potential across India by analysing solar resource distribution, the suitability of different CSP technologies (e.g., parabolic troughs and solar towers), and economic feasibility under current cost and policy conditions. It evaluates recent developments in deployment, technology maturity and financing mechanisms, while identifying key barriers such as land availability, grid integration and investment risk. In addition, the study identifies research gaps related to large-scale deployment, cost-reduction strategies, and long-term performance under Indian climatic conditions, and outlines future research directions and policy pathways to accelerate CSP adoption in India. By drawing on recent data and trends, the paper offers insight into how CSP can complement the ongoing expansion of renewable electricity and contribute to India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil installed capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070. The analysis aims to support researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders in making informed decisions to scale CSP deployment.