Concentrating Solar Power Market By Sources Analysis, Share, Trends, Size, Forecast From 2024-2032

Concentrating Solar Power Market Valuation – 2024-2031

The growing demand for concentrating solar power (CSP) is being driven by a combination of environmental, economic, and technological considerations positioning it as a critical component in the global transition to sustainable energy systems. The most compelling reason is the urgent need to address climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has frequently emphasized the importance of renewable energy sources in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. CSP which uses solar to generate high-temperature heat before converting it to electricity has a far lower carbon footprint than fossil fuel-based power generation by enabling the market to surpass a revenue of USD 7.61 Billion valued in 2024 and reach a valuation of around USD 43.63 Billion by 2031.

The versatility and dependability of CSP technology also contribute to its expanding popularity. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) solar power which transforms sunlight directly into electricity, CSP can store thermal energy allowing for electricity output even when the sun isn’t shining. This thermal storage capability often based on molten salts enables CSP systems to deliver a consistent and dispatchable power supply addressing one of renewable energy’s major challenges: intermittency. This makes CSP an important asset in ensuring grid stability and reliability especially as the proportion of renewable energy in the energy mix grows by enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 26.90% from 2024 to 2031. 

Concentrating Solar Power Market: Definition/ Overview

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is a method that uses sunlight to generate electricity by concentrating solar energy to produce heat which is then used to make steam which drives a turbine that is linked to an electric generator. CSP systems are roughly classified into four types: parabolic trough systems, solar power towers, dish/engine systems, and linear Fresnel reflectors each of which uses a different method to concentrate sunlight and turn it into useful energy. Parabolic trough systems are the most established and commonly used type of CSP. These systems use parabolic-shaped mirrors to direct sunlight toward a receiver pipe located along the mirror’s focal line.

The principal application of CSP is utility-scale power generating. CSP plants can generate electricity by focusing sunlight on a fluid which produces steam and drives a turbine that is connected to an electric generator. This approach is similar to standard thermal power plants but it employs solar radiation as a heat source. There are various types of CSP systems such as parabolic troughs, solar towers, linear Fresnel reflectors, and dish Stirling systems. The most established CSP technology is parabolic trough systems which use curved mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver tube running along the trough’s focal line.

The role of CSP in a low-carbon energy future appears promising. As the globe transitions to cleaner energy sources, CSP’s capacity to produce reliable, dispatchable power will become increasingly valuable. Continued research and development will result in even greater efficiency and cost savings while supportive legislation and international cooperation will make wider adoption possible. Hybrid systems that combine CSP with other renewables and energy storage technologies will improve the dependability and resilience of the electricity grid.

Will the Increasing Government Initiatives and Fundings Drive the Concentrating Solar Power Market?

Governments worldwide are progressively including ambitious renewable energy objectives into their climate action strategies. These goals are intended to help mitigate climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable development. Solar energy frequently receives a large portion of these aims recognizing its tremendous potential as a clean and renewable resource. This strategic focus on solar energy is generating significant demand for concentrated solar power (CSP) installations and driving investment in the technology. The importance of government policies and incentives in promoting CSP cannot be emphasized since they offer the structure and financial support required to make CSP projects sustainable and competitive on the energy market.

Long-term power purchase agreements are another important tool utilized by governments to promote CSP. A PPA is an agreement between a utility company and a government organization to acquire power from a CSP project at a predetermined price for an extended period of time typically 20 years or more. This arrangement like FITs provides a predictable and stable cash stream for project developers but with greater flexibility in terms of negotiated price and parameters. PPAs are especially appealing for large-scale CSP projects with significant investment and long payback periods. By establishing a stable market for the power produced, PPAs improve the bankability of CSP projects making them more appealing to investors.

The future of CSP is being molded by the government’s ambitious renewable energy targets which are accompanied by supportive policies and financial incentives. These steps increase demand for CSP projects and make them financially viable. Governments are encouraging CSP growth by offering revenue stability through feed-in tariffs and power purchase agreements as well as lowering upfront costs through tax credits, grants, and subsidies. Continuous technological developments and worldwide cooperation are increasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of CSP. As the globe moves toward sustainable energy systems, CSP’s ability to supply dependable, dispatchable power will become more valued contributing to a resilient and low-carbon energy future.

Will High Capital Investment Hamper the Concentrating Solar Power Market?

Concentrated solar power (CSP) facilities despite their promise and rising worldwide demand for renewable energy present severe hurdles that may stymie market expansion. One of the most significant impediments to widespread adoption of CSP technology is the large initial investment required for infrastructure. Building a CSP plant necessitates the installation of highly specialized components such as massive arrays of mirrors or heliostats, central towers or receivers, and sophisticated thermal storage systems. These components are not only sophisticated but they are frequently custom-designed for each individual project in order to maximize efficiency and performance based on the geographic and climatic parameters of the location. This personalization increases prices because standardized, mass-produced components are less appropriate.

The environmental effect of CSP plants, while generally lower than that of fossil fuel-based power generation is significant and can bring additional issues. Large-scale CSP plants especially those located in sensitive desert areas can have an impact on local ecosystems throughout their development and operation. Water use for cooling and cleaning mirrors or heliostats is another environmental concern particularly in dry places where water supplies are already short. Addressing these environmental problems necessitates careful design, additional investments in ecologically friendly technology such dry cooling systems, and continuing monitoring and mitigation efforts all of which add to the overall cost and complexity of CSP projects.

CSP presents major obstacles including high initial investment prices, land acquisition issues, legislative uncertainty, and the requirement for significant grid infrastructure investments yet it remains an important component of the global transition to renewable energy. Addressing these problems through technological innovation, supportive legislation, and strategic investments can help CSP reach its full potential and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy future. CSP can help achieve global renewable energy targets and mitigate the effects of climate change by exploiting its dispatchable power capability and integrating it with other renewable technologies.

Category-Wise Acumens

Will the Increasing Advanced and Cheap Technologies Drive the Technology Segment?

The parabolic trough category emerged as the leading force in the global concentrated solar power (CSP) market with an astounding market share. This enormous dominance can be due to a number of major aspects, the most important of which is the advanced nature and cost-effectiveness of parabolic trough technology in comparison to other CSP technologies.

Parabolic trough systems use parabolically curved, trough-shaped reflectors to direct sunlight to a receiver tube located at the trough’s focal line. The focused sunlight heats a fluid (generally synthetic oil) passing through the tube to high temperatures usually around 400°C. This thermal energy is then used to generate steam which powers a turbine that is connected to an electricity generator. This approach has proven to be extremely efficient and reliable making it the most commonly used CSP technology to date.

The parabolic trough segment’s dominance in the worldwide CSP market demonstrates its sophisticated technology, cost-effectiveness, and proven performance. The multiple advantages of parabolic trough systems including as their capacity to generate dispatchable electricity, economic competitiveness, environmental benefits, and versatility have fueled their broad use and growth. To sustain this growth and maintain market leadership, continued technological innovation, financial assistance, and integration with other renewable energy sources will be required.

Will the Increasing Need for Generating Renewable Powers Drive the Application Segment?

The utility application category is likely to dominate in the global concentrated solar power (CSP) market. This supremacy is partly due to the widespread deployment of CSP projects in developing regions like Asia Pacific and the Middle East. These locations are seeing a considerable increase in CSP projects driven by the growing need for renewable energy generation and advancements in storage technology. This tendency is projected to fuel the expansion of the utility application sector in the CSP market.

The development and implementation of sophisticated storage technologies will help to accelerate the growth of the utilities application area. Thermal energy storage devices such as molten salt storage allow CSP facilities to store excess heat created during sunny periods and then use it to generate power when required. This capacity to supply dispatchable power solves one of the primary drawbacks of renewable energy sources: intermittency. CSP with thermal storage improves grid stability by maintaining a consistent and reliable power supply allowing for greater integration of renewable energy into the power system.

The utility application segment’s dominance in the worldwide CSP market is due to a number of factors including rising demand for renewable energy, advances in storage technology, and favorable government policies. The enormous increase of CSP projects in growing regions such as Asia Pacific and the Middle East combined with the increasing number of residential projects is driving market expansion. CSP’s environmental and economic benefits together with its capacity to produce stable and predictable power make it a significant technology in the transition to sustainable energy systems.

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Country/Region-wise Acumens

Will the Rapid Industrialization and Urbanization Drive the Asia Pacific Region?

The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the major player in the global concentrating solar power (CSP) market. This great domination can be due to a combination of variables that is resulting in a huge growth in the installation of CSP systems throughout the region. The spike in investments in CSP technology particularly for strengthening grid infrastructure in countries such as China has been a major driver of industry expansion.

The rising industrialization and urbanization sweeping across Asia Pacific are critical in influencing the energy landscape. As the region’s nations continue to industrialize at an unprecedented rate, the need for energy has increased accordingly. Industrial activities which are energy-intensive by definition have demanded the increase and diversification of energy sources in order to assure a consistent and continuous supply. Concurrently, urbanization has resulted in an increase in the construction of residential and commercial infrastructure increasing energy consumption. These two developments, industrialization and urbanization have produced a fertile ground for the deployment of modern energy technologies such as CSP which can supply dependable and sustainable energy solutions to satisfy the growing demand.

The Asia Pacific region’s dominance in the worldwide concentrated solar power industry is due to a number of interrelated factors. Rapid industrialization and urbanization, rising pollution levels, and increased energy demand are pushing CSP technology adoption. Favorable government policies and large investments are fostering CSP industry expansion. Technological developments and economic considerations are increasing the viability and appeal of CSP systems.

Will Increasing Awareness Regarding the Benefits of Solar Energy Drive the Market in North America?

North America is a major player in the concentrated solar power (CSP) business ranking second worldwide. This positioning mirrored a region that is becoming more aware of the benefits of solar energy and moving toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. The increased awareness of environmental concerns and the need to minimize carbon footprints has fueled demand for CSP technology across the continent.

The economic benefits of CSP deployment in North America are also significant. CSP projects generate jobs in construction, operation, and maintenance boosting local economies and opening up chances for skilled labor in renewable energy industries. The long-term operating stability of CSP facilities helps to ensure energy security and price stability minimizing reliance on fluctuating fossil fuel markets.

The North American concentrated solar power business has grown dramatically because to greater knowledge of solar energy’s benefits, significant expenditures in technological breakthroughs, and supporting government regulations. As the region prioritizes clean and sustainable energy solutions, CSP’s place in the energy mix is likely to grow significantly contributing to regional energy security, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship.

Competitive Landscape

The concentrating solar power market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support. The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions.

Some of the prominent players operating in the concentrating solar power market include:

• Abengoa Solar
• TSK Flagsol Engineering
• Acciona Energy
• GE Renewable Energy
• Enel Green Power
• Suntrace
• Shams Power
• BrightSource Energy, Inc.
• CSP Services
• ACWA Power
• Atlantica Yield PLC
• Therminol
• SolarReserve
• Chiyoda Corporation

Latest Developments

• In May 2023, ACWA Power finished the Redstone CSP IPP project in South Africa. The project has a capacity of 100 MW and uses molten salt technology to store thermal energy for up to 12 hours.
• In February 2023, Engie SA announced the acquisition of BTE Renewables in South Africa. Engie gained 340 MW of net renewable operating assets and a portfolio of over 3GW in advanced development projects through the transaction.

Report Scope

Concentrating Solar Power Market, By Category

Technology:

• Parabolic Trough
• Solar Tower
• Dish/Engine Systems

Component:

• Solar Collectors
• Receiver Tubes
• Thermal Energy Storage Systems
• Power Block
• Balance of System (BOS)

Application:

• Utility-scale Power Generation
• Industrial Process Heat
• Microgrid and Remote Power

Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Research Methodology of Market Research: