Concentrating solar power (CSP) systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, which is then converted into thermal energy or electricity. There are three main technologies used in CSP systems:
Parabolic Trough: This technology uses parabolic mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver tube running along the focal line of the mirror. A heat transfer fluid is circulated through the receiver tube, absorbing the thermal energy and then transferring it to a heat exchanger to generate steam for electricity production.
Solar Tower: This technology uses a field of mirrors or heliostats to reflect sunlight onto a central receiver tower. The tower contains a heat transfer fluid that absorbs the thermal energy and then transfers it to a heat exchanger to generate steam for electricity production.
Dish/Engine: This technology uses a parabolic dish to focus sunlight onto a receiver at the focal point of the dish. The receiver contains a Stirling engine, which converts the thermal energy into mechanical energy and then into electricity.
Each of these technologies has its advantages and disadvantages. Parabolic troughs are the most mature technology and have the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) among the CSP technologies. Solar towers have the highest potential efficiency and can generate electricity even after sunset using thermal storage systems. Dish/engine systems have the highest conversion efficiency and can be used for both electricity generation and small-scale applications such as water pumping and desalination.
Concentrating Solar Power Market Overview
Concentrating Solar Power Market is expected to be valued at USD 16.41 Billion, with a CAGR of 17.1% Forecast by 2030.
Key Players
- Abengoa Solar SA (Spain)
- Acciona Energy (Spain)
- GE Renewable Energy (France)
- TSK Flagsol Engineering GmbH (Germany)
- Enel Green Power (Italy)
- BrightSource Energy (US)
- Atlantica Yield PLC (UK)
- eSolar Inc. (US)
- SolarReserve (US)
- ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia)
- Chiyoda Corporation (Japan)
- Alsolen (Morocco)
Market Segmentation
The Concentrating Solar Power Market is segmented into technology, components and end-use.
By technology, the market was segmented into power towers, parabolic troughs and engine systems. By components, the market is again segmented into power block, thermal storage and solar field. The divisions of the market are also utilities and enhanced oil recovery depending on its end-use.
