The molten salt batteries market is projected to witness significant growth, with an estimated size of USD 2,461.1 million in 2023. Anticipated to experience a remarkable CAGR of 24.9% from 2024 to 2030, the market is forecasted to reach a substantial value of USD 11,543.2 million by the end of 2030.
The development of the market can be mainly credited to the growing need for storing energy efficiently, specifically that produced by renewable sources. Such batteries provide a huge count of advantages, which comprise improved safety, advanced energy densities, and lengthier lives.
Liquid-metal batteries dominate the market with a 30% share, primarily due to their suitability for grid-level energy storage and high scalability. These batteries can be expanded in size without compromising efficiency, and their safety profile is enhanced, minimizing the risk of thermal explosions resulting from internal chemical reactions.
Additionally, the use of cost-effective materials contributes to lower manufacturing and purchase costs. Other advantages include a low self-discharge rate and an extended cycle life.
In recent years, the North American region dominated the industry, and the region is also projected to continue with the dominance during the projection period, with a value of approximately USD 5.2 billion.
The primary beneficiaries of molten salt thermal energy storage are power plants, constituting a significant 40% of end users. This dominance can be attributed to the escalating number of solar power plant initiatives, supported by increased funding in the energy sector.
Projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate a substantial surge of over 60% in global renewable electricity capacity, surpassing 4,800 GW by 2026 compared to 2020 levels. As the production of renewable energy continues to climb, there is a corresponding upswing in demand for molten salt thermal energy storage across various applications such as concentrating solar power (CSP) plants and heat transfer fluid systems.
Hence, the market for molten salt batteries is driven by their numerous advantages and widening application area.
