Holding a Candle to Innovation in Concentrating Solar Power Technologies

Holding a Candle to Innovation in Concentrating Solar Power Technologies

By Braun, F, Hooper, E, Wand, R & Zloczysti, P.

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 technologies (CSP). Though CSP is undergoing a renaissance, innovation studies so far 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 to 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 increased activity. 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, and only developed countries such as Australia with both CSP potential and adequate economic and scientific capabilities are found to be among the group of relevant innovators