Concentrated solar energy becoming a big hit in China

Last year, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) estimated that the growth of the country’s solar energy market would grow rapidly throughout 2016.

The NDRC is inching closer to its second Annual China Concentrating Solar Power Summit, which will be held at the end of June this year, the speed of this growth is likely to get a great deal of attention. According to recent data from the NDRC, China’s concentrated solar market is expected to reach 1 gigawatt by 2015, and 3 gigawatts by 2020.

Concentrated solar power is a relatively new concept in the world of alternative energy.

The term refers to solar panels situated around a large central structure that is, essentially, a magnifying glass that directs sunlight to these panels. Solar panels are able to collect the concentrated sunlight and generate more electricity. This method has been encouraged by the Chinese government and has been gaining popularity throughout the country.

The NDRC believes that concentrated solar energy will be a major boon for the country’s alternative energy goals.

Currently, there are 12 concentrated solar energy projects either being planned or under construction in China. The NDRC expects this number to grow as the government continues to show more interest in solar power. New projects are likely to be unveiled at the second Annual China Concentrating Solar Power Summit this year, and the NDRC is likely to touch upon techniques that can make concentrated solar energy more efficient in the future.