The decision could cost emerging technologies such as CSP dearly.

Colorado’s solar and wind companies have expressed disappointment over Xcel Energy’s decision to reduce new power generation to come online by 2015, according to a report filed by The Denver Post.

Referring to the latest development, Hank Price, Abengoa Solar’s VP of technology development, said it will be harder to develop new projects.

Xcel recently indicated that it expects demand for power to grow at a significantly slower pace, forcing it to seek bids for only 1,800 megawatts of new power plants to come online by 2015. The revised figure, which is 400 megawatts down from the previous forecast of December 1, 2008, could result in a lesser number of solar, wind and natural-gas plants in the future.

Previously, Xcel had hoped for procuring 600 megawatts of solar-thermal generation. But it has now shared that only 200 megawatts has ben earmarked for CSP.

Related links: Xcel Energy, Abengoa Solar

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