Solar Thermal Electricity (STE) is improving energy security and creating jobs in Europe, according to a position paper published by the European Solar Thermal Electricity Association (ESTELA). However, the association stressed that, if Europe is to maintain its global leadership in STE, it is vital to create a domestic European market of at least 250MW per year.
According to the document, the latest International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates indicate that, on average, EUR 39-57 billion will be invested in STE globally every year between 2015 and 2030, creating 275,000 to 520,000 jobs worldwide. With dedicated EU political support, allowing in particular for the installation of 15GW of STE capacity in Europe between 2015 and 2030, the European STE industry is well positioned to capture a substantial share of this market and the related jobs.
ESTELA writes that up to 150,000 qualified jobs could be created in Europe alone over this 15-year period, in engineering, development and financing, component manufacturing, construction and installation work and operation and maintenance (O&M). In addition to these direct activities, the European STE industry will also create numerous indirect jobs in research, training, transport, and information and communication (ICT) activities.
However, the association notes that an EU-level approach to STE as a Technology of Common Interest is required to support reliable off-take options for STE projects and that the market needs to be supported with long-term financing and other incentives in order to bring innovative projects to commercial level.
The report states that this approach should combine strategic investments in energy security with support for renewable energy, as well as cohesion and research funding. In particular, innovative commercial projects need access to affordable long-term financing. In addition, STE needs a remuneration mechanism that rewards its system benefits, and long-term transmission rights (15-25 years) to make cross-border projects bankable, the report claims.
For more information:
http://www.estelasolar.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2015-ESTELA_Position_Paper_Final.pdf