Concentrated solar power (CSP) can be a flexible renewable resource on electric grids. Here we assess the direct and upstream socio-economic and environmental impacts of the projected deployment of CSP in China and Europe, using Input-Output Analysis. We first quantify the CSP experience curve, finding a learning rate of ∼16%, and combine this with future projections for installed capacity from China's National Development and Reform. Concentrated solar power (CSP) can be a flexible renewable resource on electric grids. Here we assess the direct and upstream socio-economic and environmental impacts of the projected deployment of CSP in China and Europe, using Input-Output Analysis. We first quantify the CSP experience curve, finding a learning rate of ∼16%, and combine this with future projections for installed capacity from China's National Development and Reform Commission and the International Energy Agency. We find employment intensities of 4.2 and 2.3 person-year/GWh in China and Europe, respectively (higher than PV and wind). The carbon emission intensity of CSP is currently higher than alternatives but this gap may narrow through learning. Carbon intensities are estimated at 129.7 and 99.8 gCO2eq/kWh in 2020 (in China and Europe, respectively) and could drop to 40.4 and 31.1 gCO2eq/kWh by 2050 given the projected expansion. We discuss the importance of including both environmental and socio-economic dimensions when assessing the impact of energy technologies and provide context for the role of CSP in the energy transition.••••Environmental, economic, and social impact assessment of concentrated solar power.••Carbon intensities of 129.7 and 99.8 gCO2eq/kWh for China and Europe.••Employment intensities of 4.2 and 2.3 person-year/GWh in China and Europe.••Learning rate is calculated at ∼16%.••Future cost scenarios show high CSP potential in some regions.Concentrated solar powerInput-output analysisLearning curveEnvironmental impactSocio-economic impactSolar energyCSP Concentrated solar powerGHG Greenhouse gasIEA International Energy AgencyIOA Input-Output analysisLCA Life Cycle AssessmentMRIO The transition to carbon free energy systems across the world is vital for the long-term stability of the planet's climate. There is increasing evidence that this would improve energy security and employment rates. While most energy system models identify wind and solar photovoltaics as comprising the largest component of energy systems there are other technologies that hold potential in certain market situations and specific regions. One such technology is concentrated solar power (CSP) which is based on collecting heat from the sun and running a heat engine. CSP can be integrated with thermal storage (by use of a medium to transfer heat) to provide dispatchable power services. Under some circumstances and locations this may improve the economic potential of CSP, enabling it to meet firm and peak demand over shorter time windows.CSP capacity has increased by almost 750% in the last decade and is dominated by parabolic trough and solar tower technologies (both forms of CSP). Some estimates suggest CSP could comprise 12% of the global energy demand by 2050 [1,2]. Under IEA scenarios, cumulative installed CSP capacity could increase by 30% in Europe, and by more than 85% in China by 2050 (for the IEA's Current and New Projection scenarios). Under more ambitious scenarios, CSP is estimated to grow by more than 600% in Europe.
