용융염 열 에너지 저장 시장은 2025년 15억 5,400만 달러에서 2030년까지 31억 2,800만 달러로, CAGR 15.02%로 확대될 것으로 예측됩니다.
전 세계 용융염 열 에너지 저장(TES) 시장은 예측 기간 동안 큰 폭의 성장이 예상됩니다. 이는 인구 증가에 따른 에너지 소비량 증가, 정부의 재생에너지 활성화 정책, 에너지 저장장치의 킬로와트당 비용 감소에 따른 것입니다. 주로 집광형 태양열 발전(CSP) 시스템에 사용되는 용융염 TES는 열 에너지를 저장할 수 있는 신뢰할 수 있는 방법을 제공하여 일조시간 외의 시간에도 발전이 가능합니다. 이 기술은 조정 가능한 전력 공급을 가능하게 하고 계통 안정성과 재생에너지의 통합을 강화하여 태양광발전 시스템에 대한 명확한 이점을 제공합니다. 그러나 배터리, 양수 발전 등 대체 기술과의 경쟁으로 인해 제약요인으로 작용하고 있습니다.
시장 촉진요인
주요 촉진요인은 중앙집중식 직접 저장 플랜트 및 포물선형 트로프 간접 저장 플랜트 등 CSP 기술에 용융염 축열 시스템을 통합하는 것입니다. 이 시스템은 태양 복사를 포집하여 열로 저장함으로써 지속적인 전력 출력을 지원합니다. 미국 및 유럽 연구팀이 개발한 자체 조정형 헬리오스탯 기술 등의 혁신은 CSP의 성능 향상과 비용 절감을 동시에 실현하고 있습니다. 중국에서는 AI 통합 시스템 등의 발전으로 고고도에서의 클라우드 관련 리스크가 감소하고 운영 효율성이 향상되고 있습니다. 리튬이온 배터리의 약 33분의 1 비용인 용융염의 환경적 이점은 전 세계 지속가능성 목표에 부합합니다. 예를 들어, 스웨덴이 2040년까지 발전용 화석연료를 단계적으로 폐지한다는 방침을 세운 것은 저탄소 저장 솔루션에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있음을 보여줍니다. R&D 투자 증가는 열에너지 저장(TES)의 확장성과 비용 효율성을 최적화하여 시장 확대를 더욱 촉진하고 있습니다.
The Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage Market is anticipated to climb from USD 1.554 billion in 2025 to USD 3.128 billion by 2030, with a 15.02% CAGR.
The global molten salt thermal energy storage (TES) market is poised for substantial growth during the forecast period, driven by escalating energy consumption due to population expansion, supportive government policies promoting renewables, and declining costs per kilowatt for energy storage. Molten salt TES, primarily utilized in concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, offers a reliable method for storing thermal energy, enabling electricity generation during non-sunlight hours. This technology provides a distinct advantage over photovoltaic systems by facilitating dispatchable power, enhancing grid stability and renewable integration. However, competition from alternatives like battery and pumped hydro storage presents notable restraints.
Market Drivers
A key driver is the integration of molten salt TES in CSP technologies, including central receiver direct-storage and parabolic trough indirect-storage plants. These systems capture solar radiation and store it thermally, supporting continuous power output. Innovations such as self-aligning heliostat technology, developed by research teams in the US and Europe, are enhancing CSP performance while reducing costs. In China, advancements like AI-integrated systems mitigate cloud-related risks at high altitudes, improving operational efficiency. The environmental benefits of molten salt, which is approximately 33 times cheaper than lithium-ion batteries, align with global sustainability goals. For instance, Sweden's commitment to phasing out fossil fuels for electricity generation by 2040 underscores the rising demand for low-carbon storage solutions. Increased R&D investments are further propelling market expansion by optimizing TES for scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Market Segmentation
The molten salt TES market is segmented by technology (direct and indirect storage), application (CSP plants, industrial processes, and others), and geography (North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific). CSP applications dominate, with indirect TES parabolic trough plants prevalent in utility-scale deployments, offering extended storage durations of over seven hours at full capacity.
Geographical Outlook
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead market growth, with China and India as primary contributors. China's substantial investments in renewables have positioned it as a major adopter of molten salt TES, leveraging its vast solar resources for large-scale CSP integration. India is advancing its clean energy agenda through ambitious renewable targets, fostering demand for efficient storage to balance intermittent solar output. Other regions, including North America and Europe, are witnessing steady adoption, supported by technological innovations and environmental regulations.
Challenges
The market faces restraints from competitive substitutes, including battery storage and pumped hydro systems, which offer flexibility and rapid deployment in certain applications. These alternatives may limit molten salt TES penetration in scenarios requiring quick response times or decentralized setups, necessitating strategic differentiation through cost and performance advantages.
Competitive Landscape
Major players such as Torresol Energy Group, BrightSource Energy, Inc., Acciona AS, Abengoa SA, Yara International ASA, ENGIE Group, ACWA Power, Lanco Group, and KVK Energy Ventures Ltd. are intensifying competition through joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions to expand global footprints. These strategies enable access to emerging markets and collaborative R&D for next-generation TES solutions.
The molten salt TES market is set for accelerated growth, propelled by renewable energy mandates, cost reductions, and technological advancements in CSP integration. Asia-Pacific's dominance, led by China and India, highlights regional opportunities, while innovations address efficiency challenges. Overcoming competition from alternative storage technologies will be crucial for stakeholders to capitalize on the shift toward sustainable, dispatchable solar power.
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