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ePaper created 2014-06-03, 15:03:20 | version 1.30.01
RENEWABLES 2014 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT 19 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS (PV). The solar PV market had a record year, adding more than 39 GW in 2013 for a total exceeding139 GW.Chinasawspectaculargrowth,accountingfor nearly one-third of global capacity added, followed by Japan and the United States. Solar PV is starting to play a substantial role in electricity generation in some countries, particularly in Europe, while lower prices are opening new markets from Africa and the Middle East to Asia and Latin America. Interest continued to grow in corporate- and community-owned systems, while the number and size of utility-scale systems continued to increase. Although it was a challenging year for many companies, predominantly in Europe, the industry began to recover during 2013. Module prices stabilised, while production costs continued to fall and solar cell efficiencies increased steadily. Many manufacturers began expanding production capacity to meet expected further growth in demand. CONCENTRATING SOLAR THERMAL POWER (CSP). Global CSP capacity was up nearly 0.9 GW (36%) in 2013 to reach 3.4 GW. While the United States and Spain remained the market leaders, markets continued to shift to developing countries with high levels of insolation. Beyond the leading markets, capacity nearly tripled with projects coming on line in the United Arab Emirates, India, and China. An increasing range of hybrid CSP applications emerged, and thermal energy storage continued to gain in importance. Industry operations expanded further into new markets, and global growth in the sector remained strong, but revised growth projections and competition from solar PV in some countries led a number of companies to close their CSP operations. The trend towards larger plants to take advantage of economies of scale was maintained, while improved design and manufacturing techniques reduced costs. SOLAR THERMAL HEATING AND COOLING. Solar water and air collector capacity exceeded 283 GWth in 2012 and reached an estimated 330 GWth by the end of 2013. As in past years, China was the main demand driver, accounting for more than 80% of the global market. Demand in key European markets continued to slow, but markets expanded in countries such as Brazil, where solar thermal water heating is cost competitive. The trend towards deploying large domestic systems continued, as did growing interest in the use of solar thermal technologies for district heating, cooling, and industrial applications. China maintained its lead in the manufacture of solar thermal collectors. International attention to quality standards and certification continued, largely in response to high failure rates associated with cheap tubes from China. Europe saw accelerated consolidation during the year, with several large suppliers announcing their exit from the industry. Industry expectations for market development are the brightest in India and Greece. WIND POWER. More than 35 GW of wind power capacity was added in 2013, for a total above 318 GW. However, following several record years, the market was down nearly 10 GW compared to 2012, reflecting primarily a steep drop in the U.S. market. While the European Union remained the top region for cumulative wind capacity, Asia was nipping at its heels and is set to take the lead in 2014. New markets continued to emerge in all regions, and, for the first time, Latin America represented a significant share of new installations. Offshore wind had a record year, with 1.6 GW added, almost all of it in the EU. However, the record level hides delays due to policy uncertainty and project cancellations or downsizing. The wind industry continued to be challenged by downward pressure on prices, increased competition among turbine manufacturers, competition with low-cost gas in some markets, reductions in policy support driven by economic austerity, and declines in key markets. At the same time, falling capital costs and technological advances increased capacity factors, improving the cost-competitiveness of wind-generated electri- city relative to fossil fuels. The offshore industry continued to move farther from shore and into deeper waters, driving new foundation designs and requiring more-sophisticated vessels.