The global concentrated solar power (CSP) market is on the brink of remarkable transformation. Valued at US$ 28.3 billion in 2023, the industry is poised to grow at a staggering CAGR of 34.6% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2034. By the end of 2034, the market is expected to surpass US$ 552.3 billion, driven by strong governmental support, accelerating adoption of renewable energy, and continuous advancements in CSP technology.
A Glimpse Into CSP Technology
At its core, concentrated solar power harnesses sunlight using mirrors or lenses to focus solar radiation onto a receiver. This concentrated heat is then used to generate steam, which drives a turbine to produce electricity. One of CSP’s most transformative advantages is its ability to store thermal energy, allowing electricity generation beyond daylight hours and ensuring a stable power supply.
CSP technologies are diverse, with parabolic trough, solar tower, linear Fresnel, and dish Stirling systems dominating the market. These setups enable not only power generation but also provide industrial heat and support desalination processes, positioning CSP as a flexible and robust solution for the modern energy landscape.
Market Drivers: From Policy to Innovation
1. Supportive Government Policies:
Governments across the globe are actively promoting CSP through incentives, tenders, and dedicated research funding. In the U.S., the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) has significantly driven down the cost of CSP-generated electricity—by over 50%—through strategic R&D investments. SETO aims to further reduce this cost to US$ 0.05 per kilowatt-hour for baseload plants with 12+ hours of storage, making CSP more competitive with other renewables.
India has emerged as a CSP policy leader. Over half of its renewable energy tenders are directed at concentrated solar thermal technologies, including the construction of the world's largest CSP plant in Rajasthan. This reflects an increasing commitment to decarbonizing power and industrial sectors using indigenous clean energy sources.
2. Technological Advancements:
CSP systems are becoming increasingly efficient thanks to molten salt storage, improved heat transfer fluids, and advanced receiver designs. These innovations allow for reliable energy dispatch even after sunset, giving CSP a competitive edge over solar PV, which typically requires battery storage for similar functionality.
Further, hybridization of CSP with solar PV and wind power is becoming a prominent trend, ensuring continuous electricity generation across varying weather conditions. This synergy enhances CSP’s grid stability and supports peak load management.
3. Rising Need for Clean and Flexible Energy Solutions:
With climate change mitigation at the forefront of policy agendas, CSP is gaining traction as a reliable and clean energy source. Its ability to displace fossil fuel-based energy, especially in industrial applications such as chemical processing, manufacturing, and food production, aligns with global net-zero goals. Additionally, CSP’s role in water desalination—especially in arid and coastal regions—adds another layer of relevance amid growing concerns over water scarcity.
Market Challenges: Cost and Competition
Despite its advantages, CSP faces competition from lower-cost renewables like solar PV and wind. The initial capital expenditure for CSP plants remains relatively high. However, the declining cost trajectory, bolstered by innovations and scale economies, is expected to narrow this gap in the coming years.
Investments in thermal energy storage are proving particularly impactful, enabling CSP to deliver round-the-clock clean power. As storage costs decrease, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for CSP is expected to become more attractive to investors and utilities alike.
Regional Landscape: Europe and Asia Pacific in Focus
Europe, led by Spain, dominated the CSP market in 2023 due to favorable climate conditions, strong regulatory frameworks, and mature infrastructure. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region, with China and India aggressively expanding CSP capacity as part of broader renewable energy targets.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is also investing heavily in CSP, with countries such as Morocco, UAE, and Saudi Arabia building large-scale plants to reduce fossil fuel dependence and export clean energy. These regional dynamics highlight CSP’s global scalability and adaptability.
Competitive Landscape and Recent Developments
Major players such as ABENGOA, Acciona S.A., ACWA Power, BrightSource Energy, and NextEra Energy Resources are actively shaping the market through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and innovation in plant design and energy storage.
Key recent developments include:
- ACWA Power’s completion of the Redstone CSP IPP project in South Africa in May 2023, featuring molten salt storage for 12-hour energy retention.
- Engie SA’s acquisition of BTE Renewables, adding over 340 MW of operating assets in South Africa.
- Aalborg CSP’s acquisition of exclusive rights to Pit Thermal Energy Storage (PTES) technology, advancing scalable heat storage solutions.
Future Outlook
The global CSP market is set to redefine the landscape of clean energy, offering dispatchable, reliable, and sustainable power for both grid and industrial applications. As supportive policy frameworks, cutting-edge technologies, and climate commitments converge, CSP stands out as a critical player in the global renewable energy transition.
By 2034, with a projected market value of over US$ 552.3 billion, concentrated solar power will not only contribute to global energy security but also pave the way for a low-carbon industrial economy.
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