China required from the first demonstration phase that each CSP project must include thermal energy storage, marking the first recognition globally of the value of the low cost and longevity of thermal energy storage. As a power station storing solar energy thermally, CSP operates like a gas plant to supply grid services like rolling reserves.
Strategic positioning of solar thermal power generation to promote technological progress. Huadian Technology. DOI：10. 3969/j. issn. 1674-1951. 2021.
To activate the undeveloped pilot projects, the National Energy Administration subsequently offered a slightly lower tariff if any could connect to the grid by 2021, to encourage confident startups like Cosin and Shouhang that emerged as major Tower CSP developers in China, to grab some of these lost opportunities.