Solar thermal power plants utilizing molten salt energy storage (TES)—utilizing salts such as sodium and potassium nitrate heated to 400–565 °C—are transforming renewable energy by providing continuous electricity: sunlight during the day is concentrated by mirrors onto receivers, heating molten salt that is held in insulated hot tanks and employed to produce steam during high demand periods or nighttime through traditional turbines, offering reliable, controllable solar power.
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The dual-tank molten salt setup reaches a high round-trip thermal efficiency (~90–99 %) with low heat loss (~1 °C/day).
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, and is demonstrated in key projects: Arizona’s 250 MW Solana Generating Station, featuring 6 hours of thermal salt storage, delivers reliable solar energy post-sunset and maintains an average capacity factor of approximately 38 % each year.
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Spain’s Andasol complex—comprising three 50 MW parabolic-trough units—provides approximately 7.5 hours of storage each, allowing generation to continue into the evening.
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Morocco’s Noor III, Chile’s Cerro Dominador tower featuring 17.5 hours of storage, and South Africa’s Bokpoort CSP (approximately 9+ hours) highlight the worldwide utility accessibility of solar energy at night.
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Molten salt TES is based on plentiful, inexpensive salt blends, frequently adjusted in industrial applications (for instance, Yara’s ternary nitrates) to decrease melting temperatures, minimize freeze hazards, and broaden operational ∆T ranges, improving safety and longevity while reducing CAPEX and OPEX.
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Elevated storage temperatures allow for more effective steam cycles, containing considerably greater energy per mass unit compared to thermal oil systems, which generally function within ~290–395 °C—leading to increased power density and diminished fluid volume.
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Major projects like Crescent Dunes (110 MW, 10 hours of storage in Nevada) and Gemasolar (19.9 MW tower with 15 hours of uninterrupted operation)
However, CSP utilizing molten salt faces challenges: components such as 30+ m tanks need to withstand thermal stresses and salts that solidify under ~220–290 °C; heat exchangers and pipes must use corrosion-resistant materials; plant locations require structural adaptations for ground settling and frequent freeze-thaw cycles; water shortages (e.g., in dry desert CSP sites) compel the use of dry cooling methods; and grid operators demand quick ramping (~15–20 min), which is slower than batteries but suitable with hybrid systems.
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Despite these challenges, ongoing research and innovation are enhancing materials and designs: advanced molten salts (featuring stable chloride blends and ternary mixtures) enable secure operation beyond 750 °C for greater efficiency; new high‑entropy alloys withstand corrosion at high temperatures, efficiently supporting solar absorbers and salt interfaces; thermocline single‑tank heat storage simplifies systems; and pilot solar‑sodium fluid systems (like Jemalong) broaden the spectrum.
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Boasting more than 27,500 MWh of molten salt storage installed worldwide and growing capacity through initiatives in Spain, Morocco, Chile, China, the U.S., and South Africa, molten salt CSP has become a key element for renewable firm capacity—providing dispatchable, carbon-free electricity that supports PV and wind, enhances grid flexibility, lowers carbon emissions, and achieves sustainability objectives in sun-rich areas globally. With ongoing technological advancements, CSP utilizing molten salt storage is distinctly equipped to fulfill the commitment of dependable, renewable, and continuous solar-generated electricity—transforming solar energy into a genuine 24-hour power supply for a sustainable, decarbonized future.