Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast Segmented by Technology (Parabolic Trough, Fresnel Reflector, and Power Tower), By Region, Competition, 2018-2028

Market Overview

Global Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage market has valued at USD 2.58 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 12.07%.

Key Market Drivers

Renewable Energy Integration will help with Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Market growth.

Renewable energy integration is a primary driver of the global molten salt thermal energy storage market, shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions. As the world strives to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are becoming increasingly vital. However, these sources are inherently intermittent, generating electricity only when the sun is shining, or the wind is blowing. This intermittency poses challenges for maintaining a stable and reliable energy supply, making energy storage technologies like molten salt thermal energy storage essential. Molten salt thermal energy storage systems enable the efficient and effective integration of renewable energy into the grid. When excess energy is generated during periods of high renewable output, such as sunny days or windy nights, this surplus electricity can be used to heat a high-temperature molten salt solution within the storage system. The stored thermal energy can then be tapped into when renewable energy production drops, allowing for a consistent and reliable power supply to the grid.

This integration is a game-changer for the renewable energy sector. It enhances the reliability of renewable sources, making them more comparable to conventional fossil-fuel-based power generation in terms of grid stability. As a result, utilities and grid operators can confidently incorporate larger proportions of renewable energy into their energy mix. Furthermore, renewable energy integration with molten salt thermal energy storage has broader implications for the energy transition. It reduces the need for backup power plants fueled by fossil resources, helping to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. This aligns with global efforts to meet carbon reduction targets and transition towards greener energy systems.

Grid Stability and Reliability Have Played a Crucial Role in The Growth of The Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Market.

Grid stability and reliability are significant drivers of the global molten salt thermal energy storage market. As the world increasingly relies on renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, the intermittent nature of these resources presents a challenge to the stability of electrical grids. Molten salt thermal energy storage systems play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge by providing a dependable means of energy storage and release. One of the key issues facing modern electrical grids is the fluctuation in power supply. Solar energy generation, for instance, is dependent on daylight hours and weather conditions, while wind energy production is contingent on wind patterns. These variables can result in energy surpluses during periods of high generation and shortages during low-generation times. Molten salt thermal energy storage offers an effective solution to this problem.

During periods of excess energy production, surplus electricity is used to heat the molten salt within the storage system to high temperatures, effectively storing thermal energy. When energy demand surpasses supply, the stored thermal energy can be used to generate electricity through a heat exchange process, providing a consistent and reliable source of power to the grid. This balancing act ensures that electrical grids can meet the demands of consumers, maintain stability, and avoid blackouts or disruptions. Moreover, molten salt thermal energy storage can serve as a valuable asset for grid operators to manage peak demand periods. By releasing stored energy during peak hours, utilities can reduce the need for expensive and environmentally harmful peaker plants, which are typically powered by fossil fuels. This transition to cleaner energy sources not only enhances grid reliability but also aligns with sustainability goals.

Additionally, molten salt thermal energy storage systems offer a longer duration of storage compared to other energy storage technologies like lithium-ion batteries. This extended storage capacity is especially advantageous for addressing extended periods of low renewable energy generation, such as during prolonged cloudy or windless conditions. In conclusion, grid stability and reliability are driving the adoption of molten salt thermal energy storage systems worldwide. These systems serve as a linchpin in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy grid by mitigating the challenges posed by intermittent renewable energy sources and providing a dependable source of power when needed most. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, the role of molten salt thermal energy storage in ensuring grid stability and reliability will become increasingly crucial.

Key Market Challenges

High Initial Costs

High initial costs stand as a significant impediment to the global molten salt thermal energy storage market. While molten salt thermal energy storage systems offer numerous advantages for renewable energy integration and grid stability, the substantial upfront capital requirements often deter potential investors and project developers. The primary cost drivers for molten salt thermal energy storage systems include specialized equipment, materials, and engineering expertise. These systems necessitate high-temperature tanks, heat exchangers, and components designed to withstand the corrosive nature of molten salts. Additionally, precise engineering and construction are crucial to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these systems, further increasing project costs.

The cost of molten salt itself can also contribute significantly to the overall expenses, as it requires careful handling and specialized storage infrastructure. Furthermore, as molten salt thermal energy storage systems are relatively novel, economies of scale have not been fully realized, which can lead to higher per-unit costs for smaller projects. The high initial capital outlay can be especially burdensome for smaller businesses and regions with limited financial resources. This financial barrier may hinder the adoption of molten salt thermal energy storage technology, particularly in areas that could benefit greatly from improved grid stability and renewable energy integration.

To mitigate this challenge and foster greater market adoption, strategies to reduce costs are essential. These strategies may include research and development efforts to optimize system components, standardize design and construction practices, and scale up manufacturing. Additionally, incentives, subsidies, or financing mechanisms may be necessary to encourage investments in molten salt thermal energy storage projects, particularly in the early stages of market development. In summary, while high initial costs pose a significant hurdle to the global molten salt thermal energy storage market, addressing this challenge through technological advancements, standardization, and financial incentives is crucial for unlocking the full potential of this technology and accelerating its adoption in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Limited Technological Maturity

Limited technological maturity presents a substantial hurdle to the global molten salt thermal energy storage market. While this energy storage technology holds immense promise for enhancing renewable energy integration and grid stability, its relatively nascent stage of development poses challenges that can hamper widespread adoption. One of the primary concerns is the long-term reliability and durability of molten salt thermal energy storage systems. These systems operate at high temperatures and utilize corrosive molten salts, which can lead to material degradation over time. Ensuring the consistent and safe performance of these systems over their expected operational lifespan is crucial to building investor and industry confidence.

Efficiency improvements are another critical aspect. Although molten salt thermal energy storage is known for its high efficiency, there is room for enhancement. Reducing energy losses during the energy storage and retrieval process can make this technology even more competitive, especially when compared to well-established alternatives like lithium-ion batteries. Standardization is essential for streamlining project development and reducing uncertainties. Currently, the lack of standardized design and construction practices can lead to variability in system performance and costs. Standardization efforts can contribute to the scalability and wider adoption of molten salt thermal energy storage solutions.

Safety is also paramount, given the high temperatures and complex operational nature of these systems. Ensuring safe operation, particularly in populated or sensitive areas, requires rigorous safety protocols and hazard mitigation measures. Furthermore, cost reduction is vital to improving the economic feasibility of molten salt thermal energy storage. High initial capital costs can deter potential investors and project developers, making it imperative to explore avenues for cost reduction through economies of scale and technological advancements.

In summary, addressing the technological challenges stemming from limited maturity is essential for unlocking the full potential of molten salt thermal energy storage. As research and development efforts continue to enhance reliability, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, this promising technology can play a more significant role in advancing renewable energy integration and grid stability on a global scale.

Key Market Trends

Large-Scale Projects

The rise of large-scale projects represents a compelling and transformative trend that is poised to drive the global molten salt thermal energy storage market forward. These large-scale endeavors are instrumental in demonstrating the technology's capacity, reliability, and economic viability, fostering increased adoption and investment in the sector. Large-scale projects in the molten salt thermal energy storage market are typically characterized by their significant storage capacity, often exceeding hundreds of megawatt-hours. These projects are primarily designed to support grid stability, accommodate the intermittent of renewable energy sources, and provide reliable and dispatchable power during periods of peak demand or when renewable generation is low.

The advantages of large-scale molten salt thermal energy storage projects are multifaceted. They help utilities and grid operators optimize energy management by efficiently storing surplus electricity during periods of high renewable energy production and releasing it when needed. This ability to provide continuous and dependable power enhances grid reliability and reduces the need for fossil fuel-based peaker plants, aligning with sustainability goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, large-scale projects benefit from economies of scale, driving down the cost per megawatt-hour of storage capacity. As project developers and operators gain experience with larger installations, they can optimize design, construction, and operational practices, resulting in cost reductions that make molten salt thermal energy storage increasingly competitive.

These large-scale projects are often integrated with concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, leveraging the ability of molten salt to store and distribute high-temperature thermal energy. CSP with molten salt storage enables continuous electricity generation, even when solar radiation is not found at, extending the availability of clean energy resources. In conclusion, large-scale projects play a pivotal role in propelling the global molten salt thermal energy storage market. They showcase the technology's capabilities, promote cost-effective deployment, enhance grid reliability, and contribute significantly to the transition toward a sustainable energy future. As the demand for reliable and flexible energy storage solutions continues to grow, large-scale molten salt thermal energy storage projects will remain a key driver in reshaping the energy landscape.

Renewable Energy Integration

Renewable energy integration is poised to be a powerful driving force behind the global molten salt thermal energy storage market. As the world accelerates its transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the intermittent nature of renewables like solar and wind power becomes a significant challenge for grid stability and reliability. Molten salt thermal energy storage systems offer a compelling solution to this challenge. These systems excel at capturing excess energy generated during periods of high renewable output and storing it as thermal energy. When electricity demand surges or renewable generation dips, the stored thermal energy can be converted back into electricity, providing a stable and reliable source of power to the grid. This seamless integration of renewable energy into the grid helps mitigate the inherent variability of renewables and enables a more consistent electricity supply. One of the key advantages of molten salt thermal energy storage is its ability to provide long-duration energy storage. This feature allows for the extended release of stored energy during periods of low renewable generation, such as cloudy days or wind lulls, effectively bridging the gap between energy supply and demand.

Furthermore, molten salt thermal energy storage aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing the reliance on fossil fuels for grid balancing and backup power generation. As governments and industries worldwide commit to carbon reduction targets, the role of this technology in facilitating renewable energy integration becomes even more critical. The trend of renewable energy integration with molten salt thermal energy storage is evident in the increasing number of utility-scale projects and concentrated solar power (CSP) installations incorporating these systems. This trend is expected to continue to gain momentum as countries seek to harness the full potential of renewable resources and transition toward greener and more resilient energy grids. In summary, renewable energy integration will be a driving force propelling the global molten salt thermal energy storage market toward greater prominence in the evolving energy landscape.

Segmental Insights

Technology Insights

The market's largest contribution will be the Parabolic Trough Segment. Parabolic troughs dominate the market as the method most used for storing energy in molten salt as they can concentrate solar energy more efficiently. Many projects are under, in 2021, under construction. With a decrease in the cost per kilowatt for molten salt stored electricity, it is expected to dominate the market in the forecast period.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific has established itself as the leader in the Global Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Market with a significant revenue share in 2022.

Asia-Pacific is among the most significant users of molten solar energy plants and is expected to grow fastest in the forecast period. India and China are expected to lead in the market's growth.

The Asia-Pacific molten salt thermal energy storage market has grown the fastest in 2021 and is expected to continue its high growth rate in the coming yeell. The region consists of large countries below the Tropic of Capricorn, which enables the countries to use solar energy projects efficiently.

Recent Developments

• November 2022Hyme Energy ApS announced that the company is partnering with Bornholms Energi & Forsyning (BEOF) to build its first molten salt thermal energy storage demonstrator on the Danish Island of Bornholm. The storage facility is scheduled for completion in 2024 and will have a capacity of 1 MW/20 MWh. It will provide heat, power, and ancillary services to the local network.

Key Market Players

• Yara International ASA
• Acciona, S.A.
• Abengoa SA
• BrightSource Energy, Inc.
• SENER Grupo de Ingenieria, S.A.
• SolarReserve, LLC
• Engie SA
• SCHOTT AG