CSP with thermal storage — CSP systems paired with molten salt or other storage to provide dispatchable, on-demand power.

The ability to provide dispatchable power is arguably the most valuable characteristic of CSP, and it is made possible by CSP with thermal storage. This technology is a game-changer because it addresses the intermittency issue of most other renewables. By storing thermal energy in a medium like molten salt, CSP plants can continue to generate electricity at night or during cloudy periods. The stored heat is used to create steam for the turbine, effectively transforming sunlight into a round-the-clock power source. This makes CSP a strong competitor to natural gas peaker plants, which are traditionally used to meet high evening demand. The economic viability of a CSP plant is often directly tied to the size and efficiency of its thermal storage system.

Unlike PV, which converts sunlight directly into electricity, CSP systems use mirrors to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small receiver. This concentrated energy heats a fluid, which is then used to create steam to drive a turbine, generating electricity. What makes CSP particularly compelling is its ability to store thermal energy for use after the sun sets, making it a reliable source of dispatchable power. This discussion will explore the Concentrated Solar Power Market and its defining technologies.