Concentrating solar power (CSP), a promising renewable energy technology, requires better policy support for its initial implementation, which, in turn, necessitates accurate forecasting of its economic potential. This study develops a model based on meteorological data and local policies to calculate the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) in 31 provincial-level divisions in China. Based on land occupation, concessionary loan, and technology mode. Concentrating solar power (CSP), a promising renewable energy technology, requires better policy support for its initial implementation, which, in turn, necessitates accurate forecasting of its economic potential. This study develops a model based on meteorological data and local policies to calculate the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) in 31 provincial-level divisions in China. Based on land occupation, concessionary loan, and technology mode as the independent variables, the LCOE is estimated to be $142/MWh to $781/MWh in sites with direct normal irradiance above 1,800 kWh/m2/yr under current local policies and conditions (with and without thermal storage). Thus, this study lays a solid foundation for forecasting power generation and selecting economically feasible sites. It analyzes the CSP learning curve with respect to technologically advanced trends and scale expansion. With the proper optimization of the technology mode, it is reasonable to expect a significant LCOE reduction and grid parity in certain areas. A comparison of the current policies provides a reference for the Chinese government to formulate subsidy policies that would make CSP more competitive.••••Analyze the current feasibility and future potential of concentrating solar power (CSP) development in China.••Evaluate the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of different CSP technologies for 31 provincial devisions in China.••Calculate the provincial LCOE by considering local policies and metrological conditions.••Propose some policy recommendations on developing CSP projects in China.Concentrating solar powerLevelized cost of electricityEnergy is a strategic global resource that is fundamental to national and international security. The last few decades have witnessed a rapid increase in global energy demand. However, the growth in demand for electricity has been relatively higher compared to that for total primary energy from 1974 to 2015. In response to these increasing energy needs, the global electricity generation capacity has increased by 192% over this period. In 2015, over three-fifths of electricity and heat were generated from fossil fuels, mainly coal (39%) and natural gas (23%). The factors that influence energy consumption have been extensively explored; some of these factors include economic status, industrial structure, demographic change, urbanization, and technological progress [,, ].China, in particular, has seen a manifest increase in electricity demand over recent decades, compelling it to rapidly develop and expand its power sector. In 2015 alone, the country's energy production totaled at 3.6 billion tce (tonne of coal equivalent), while its total energy consumption was 4.3 billion tce. Its primary electricity production accounted for 14.5% of the total energy produced, showing an increasing trend since 2011. Without decisive action, energy-related CO2 emissions will more than double by 2050. In fact, slightly more than 40% of the global energy-related CO2 emissions can be attributed to emi. CSP plants generate electricity by using mirrors to concentrate solar rays with tracking devices; turbines are then driven using power-generating steam in the thermodynamic cycle to generate electricity [29,30]. In general, CSP is classified into four types based on how the solar rays are concentrated: parabolic trough collector (PTC), linear Fresnel collector (LFC), central receiver system (CRS), and parabolic dish system (PDS) [6,27] (shown in Table 2). The PTC and CRS are preferred in utility applications, with wide use globally and in China. Thermal energy storage is an indispensable part of the installation, and all established plants in China have storage capacities.Table 2. Main characteristics of CSP technologies [6,31].
