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Holding a candle to innovation in concentrating solar power technologies: A study drawing on patent data

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  • Braun, Frauke G.
  • Hooper, Elizabeth
  • Wand, Robert
  • Zloczysti, Petra

Abstract

Improved understanding of the innovative pathways of renewable energy technologies is vital if we are to make the transition to a low carbon economy. This study presents new evidence on innovation and industry dynamics in concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies. Though CSP is undergoing a renaissance, existing innovation studies have explored innovative activity in solar technologies in general, ignoring the major differences between solar photovoltaic and CSP technologies. This study, based on patent data, examines the level and dynamics of innovative activity in CSP between 1978 and 2004. Our unique contribution, based on engineering expertise and detailed datawork, is a classification system mapping CSP technologies to the International Patent Classification (IPC) system. The innovation performance of CSP is found to be surprisingly weak compared to the patent boom in other green technologies. Performance was strong around 1980 before falling dramatically, and has only recently begun to show signs of recovery. Innovation and R&D are concentrated in high-tech countries; the US, Germany and Japan, which do not necessarily have high domestic CSP potential. Large CSP potential is, therefore, not a sufficient condition for innovation. Innovators must possess economic and scientific capabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Braun, Frauke G. & Hooper, Elizabeth & Wand, Robert & Zloczysti, Petra, 2011. "Holding a candle to innovation in concentrating solar power technologies: A study drawing on patent data," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(5), pages 2441-2456, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:39:y:2011:i:5:p:2441-2456
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    1. Islam, Md Tasbirul & Huda, Nazmul & Saidur, R., 2019. "Current energy mix and techno-economic analysis of concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies in Malaysia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 789-806.
    2. Liu, Weiwei & Song, Yifan & Bi, Kexin, 2021. "Exploring the patent collaboration network of China's wind energy industry: A study based on patent data from CNIPA," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    3. Hafez, A.Z. & Soliman, Ahmed & El-Metwally, K.A. & Ismail, I.M., 2017. "Design analysis factors and specifications of solar dish technologies for different systems and applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 1019-1036.
    4. Pavlović, Tomislav M. & Radonjić, Ivana S. & Milosavljević, Dragana D. & Pantić, Lana S., 2012. "A review of concentrating solar power plants in the world and their potential use in Serbia," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(6), pages 3891-3902.
    5. Bruns, Stephan B. & Kalthaus, Martin, 2020. "Flexibility in the selection of patent counts: Implications for p-hacking and evidence-based policymaking," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(1).
    6. Malagueta, Diego & Szklo, Alexandre & Borba, Bruno Soares Moreira Cesar & Soria, Rafael & Aragão, Raymundo & Schaeffer, Roberto & Dutra, Ricardo, 2013. "Assessing incentive policies for integrating centralized solar power generation in the Brazilian electric power system," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 198-212.
    7. Mueller, Simon C. & Sandner, Philipp G. & Welpe, Isabell M., 2015. "Monitoring innovation in electrochemical energy storage technologies: A patent-based approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 537-544.
    8. Zheng, Zhuoji & Li, Xueqin & Han, Xianfeng & Shi, Daqian & Liu, Juan, 2025. "Better green financial instrument: Government green fund and corporate new energy technology innovation," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    9. Lanzi, Elisa & Verdolini, Elena & Haščič, Ivan, 2011. "Efficiency-improving fossil fuel technologies for electricity generation: Data selection and trends," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 39(11), pages 7000-7014.
    10. Islam, Md Tasbirul & Huda, Nazmul & Abdullah, A.B. & Saidur, R., 2018. "A comprehensive review of state-of-the-art concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies: Current status and research trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 987-1018.
    11. Ali, Babkir, 2018. "Comparative assessment of the feasibility for solar irrigation pumps in Sudan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 413-420.
    12. Lizin, Sebastien & Leroy, Julie & Delvenne, Catherine & Dijk, Marc & De Schepper, Ellen & Van Passel, Steven, 2013. "A patent landscape analysis for organic photovoltaic solar cells: Identifying the technology's development phase," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 5-11.
    13. Plank, Josef & Doblinger, Claudia, 2018. "The firm-level innovation impact of public R&D funding: Evidence from the German renewable energy sector," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 430-438.
    14. Malagueta, Diego & Szklo, Alexandre & Soria, Rafael & Dutra, Ricardo & Schaeffer, Roberto & Moreira Cesar Borba, Bruno Soares, 2014. "Potential and impacts of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) integration in the Brazilian electric power system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 223-235.

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