Promotion of concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) in Spain: Performance analysis of the period 1998–2013

A thorough analysis of the Concentrating Solar Thermal Power (CSP) development in Spain in the period 1998–2013 has been carried out in order to identify the main drivers behind the bubble-like behaviour exhibited by this renewable technology. Tending a parallelism with the basic principles of the control systems theory has facilitated the identification of the main shortcomings in the design of the various control frameworks governing the CSP deployment in the studied period. The CSP disorderly proliferation propitiated by inefficient control mechanisms has resulted in an overrun cost to the electricity system that has tried to be mitigated with the application of retroactive measures seriously harmful for the investors. It is expected that the conclusions drawn from this comprehensive review of the Spanish case have a general relevance for other countries undertaking the development path of renewable technologies.