Thermal Energy Storage Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2031

The global thermal energy storage market is expected to reach an estimated $566.6 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 13.9% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the growing use of HVAC systems and the increasing need for energy storage in green buildings.

The future of the global thermal energy storage market looks promising with opportunities in the utility, commercial, and industrial markets.

• Within the application category, the power generation will remain the largest segment over the forecast period.
• Within the end use category, utility will remain the largest segment over the forecast period.
• In terms of regions, Europe will remain the largest region over the forecast period.

Emerging Trends in the Thermal Energy Storage Market

There are transformative trends in the thermal energy storage market that are changing the way energy is managed and consumed. The rise of technological advancements, a shifting landscape, and new policy frameworks, along with an increasing focus on sustainability, are reshaping the way energy is managed and consumed.

• With TES and renewable energy sources: The principles of solar and wind energy are being integrated with thermal energy storage, capturing unused surplus energy created during periods of peak demand in an efficient manner that guarantees a source of power when needed.
• Materials Science Developments: Ongoing innovations in materials science result in more effective thermal energy storage technologies, with breakthroughs in phase-change materials for storing and releasing heat at a specific temperature. Therefore, TES is becoming more applicable across all sectors.
• Policy Support and Incentives: The growth of the thermal energy storage market depends significantly on government policies and incentives. Country regulations are swift, motivating investment in TES technologies through financial incentives like tax credits, grants, and supportive frameworks.
• Focus on Energy Resilience: The growing global focus on energy resilience, including climate change and extreme weather, has increased interest in TES as a necessary backup power solution that maintains energy supply during outages and enhances the reliability of critical infrastructure.
• Decentralization of Energy Systems: The shift toward decentralized energy solutions encourages localized thermal energy storage systems, allowing consumers to have greater control over energy and reducing pressure on the centralized energy grid, particularly in urban centers.

These emerging trends are transforming the thermal energy storage market by facilitating innovation, improving integration into renewable energy sources, and paving the way for supportive policies that promise a bright future for sustainable energy.

Recent Developments in the Thermal Energy Storage Market

The TES market is rapidly developing due to technological advancements, global aspirations for sustainability, and the integration of renewable energy sources. As countries focus more on improving efficiency in the energy sector and reducing carbon emissions, energy supply management has become increasingly dependent on effective TES systems. These systems help overcome intermittency from solar and wind resources, especially for storing excess thermal energy for later use. The growth of large-scale projects and innovations in material sciences are crucial advancements for integration into smart grid technologies. Increased industrial uptake and heightened attention to sustainability are notable recent developments. Taken together, these advances are transforming the TES landscape and becoming essential components in developing energy plans and policies for a secure and resource-efficient energy future.

• Advances in Materials Science: Recent developments in materials science significantly advance thermal energy storage systems. Innovations in phase-change materials (PCMs) and high-performance insulation technologies improve storage capacity and heat transfer efficiency. These materials are capable of absorbing and releasing heat at selected temperatures, making them excellent for residential heating and various industrial applications. New, lower-cost PCMs help reduce overall system costs, making TES solutions competitive with other energy storage technologies. As materials evolve, efficiency and effectiveness in TES systems will increase, leading to wider application across many sectors and a more effective contribution to energy sustainability.
• Large-scale Project Scale-Up: The scaling up of large-scale Thermal Energy Storage projects, particularly in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, represents an important development for the TES market. These projects, which store energy produced by molten salt or other advanced mediums, allow excess daytime energy to be accumulated and used at nighttime or during peak demand. Therefore, reliance on fossil fuels is avoided while enhancing the efficiency of these renewable sources. Examples include several new projects under development in the United States, China, and Spain. Massive TES systems will support grid stability while accelerating the growth of renewable energy and helping to achieve national decarbonization targets.
• Coupling with Smart Grids: Coupling with smart grid technologies enables thermal energy storage systems to enhance energy management and distribution. Smart grids facilitate efficient energy flow in real time, controlling demand and fluctuations by optimizing the usage of stored thermal energy. This integration allows for better synchronization of energy generation and consumption, resulting in an advanced level of efficiency in energy systems overall. By employing predictive analytics and automated controls, utilities can reduce peak loads and save on energy costs, benefiting consumers in the long run. The synergetic role of TES with grid management systems will be increasingly crucial in the development of future smart grid technologies.
• Industrial Applications and Increased Adoption: Thermal energy storage is rapidly gaining traction in industries, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like manufacturing and food processing. Industries recognize TES's potential for energy cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency. By utilizing excess heat produced during processes, companies can better manage their energy supplies and reduce demand during peak electricity tariffs. Furthermore, the ability to exploit this stored thermal energy for heating or cooling operations results in significant operational cost savings. As businesses increasingly strive to reduce their carbon footprint, the demand for TES in industrial applications is expected to rise, promoting the adoption of emerging storage technologies and systems.
• Focus on Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality: The rising emphasis on sustainability and carbon neutrality worldwide is expected to drive the thermal energy storage market, as nations increasingly focus on cutting carbon emissions. With this advanced goal, TES has gained importance as a necessary component for meeting strategic targets. TES systems support decarbonization across all sectors of the economy by enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency. Additionally, governments are introducing incentives and regulations that encourage the development and entry of TES technologies into the market. As awareness of climate change impacts grows, the focus on sustainability is expected to lead to increased investment in thermal energy storage solutions.

Such emerging trends in the thermal energy storage market are altering the landscape of the field, encouraging innovation, and establishing TES systems as essential components of sustainable energy strategies. The future of thermal energy storage appears bright, driven by technological innovation in materials science, expansive large-scale projects, integration with smart grid technologies, increased industrial uptake, and a growing concern for sustainability. As these developments progress, they will play a crucial role in advancing energy efficiency globally and promoting a low-carbon future.

Strategic Growth Opportunities for Thermal Energy Storage Market

The thermal energy storage market presents various strategic growth opportunities across diverse applications. This is driven by the ongoing high demand for sustainable energy solutions and the growth of technology in each field. Countries worldwide are strategically utilizing energy and incorporating renewable sources and TES systems as fundamental tools for effectively managing energy supply and demand. Key growth sectors include residential heating and cooling, industrial processes, district energy systems, concentrated solar power (CSP), and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. By capitalizing on these sectors, stakeholders can contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape while benefiting economically. This overview identifies five key growth opportunities in the TES market and explains their potential impacts.

• Residential Heating and Cooling: In the residential sector, the application of thermal energy storage presents significant growth opportunities to meet heating and cooling requirements. More homeowners are seeking energy-efficient solutions, and TES systems efficiently regulate energy consumption by storing surplus heat produced during off-peak hours for later use during peak demand. The increasing popularity of TES technologies, such as hot water tanks and phase change materials for homes, enhances their potential for energy savings and improved comfort. Additionally, as governments embrace incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, the uptake of TES solutions within residential settings is expected to gain momentum, forming a more sustainable energy landscape.
• Industrial Applications: The interest in applying thermal energy storage in industrial processes is growing as improvements in energy efficiency and reduced operational costs are achieved. Industries such as manufacturing, food processing, and chemical production are increasingly considering the installation of TES systems to store excess heat generated during operations, allowing energy usage to be shifted to off-peak times and taking advantage of lower electricity prices. This transition not only cuts costs but also minimizes the carbon footprint of industrial processes. As industries continue to pursue sustainability and efficiency, the demand for TES technologies is expected to grow, stimulating further research and investment opportunities in this sector.
• District Energy Systems: District energy systems, where multiple buildings are heated or cooled from a single centralized source, represent an exciting growth opportunity for TES. Integrating TES with district heating and cooling networks allows operators to optimize energy usage and minimize reliance on fossil fuels. By storing thermal energy in TES during low-demand periods and utilizing it during peak demand, overall energy supply efficiency is significantly improved, leading to grid stability. As urbanization continues to rise, the demand for district energy systems will increase, making TES an integral part of modern infrastructure.
• Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): The expansion of CSP projects presents numerous opportunities for development in thermal energy storage. CSP technology uses mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight onto a hot surface, which can then be stored as heat and used to generate electricity even on cloudy days. Energy generated during peak sunlight hours can be stored through TES systems in CSP plants and delivered when needed most or when solar output is low. As global attention on renewable energy increases, investments in CSP and its integrated TES are expected to surge, positioning these systems as crucial components of the solution.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure: The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) marks a new frontier for thermal energy storage, particularly regarding charging infrastructure. TES can be integrated into EV charging stations to manage energy loads efficiently by storing thermal energy during off-peak times and using it to support charging operations during peak demand. This enhances charging station efficiency and supports the incorporation of renewable energy sources into the charging process. As more electric vehicles embrace this trend, TES will play an increasingly necessary role in optimizing energy use at charging stations.

Diversified applications and innovation potential contribute to the strategic growth opportunities in the thermal energy storage market. Opportunities such as residential heating, industrial processes, district energy systems, concentrated solar power, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure can help stakeholders drive the application of TES technologies, which will provide more efficient and sustainable energy use while contributing to a low-carbon energy future.

Thermal Energy Storage Market Drivers and Challenges

The thermal energy storage (TES) market is on the verge of exponential growth, driven by the rising demand for energy efficiency, sustainability, and energy security. However, several challenges are also affecting market dynamics, including technological limitations, costs, and policy barriers. Understanding the drivers and challenges can help stakeholders develop effective strategies to enhance the deployment of TES technologies and capitalize on market opportunities.

Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Energy Efficiency: As governments and businesses pursue energy-efficient practices, the demand for TES solutions is rising. TES can effectively store excess energy generated from renewable sources, allowing for greater energy efficiency in energy consumption.
• Integration of Renewable Energy Sources: The growing reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind necessitates effective energy storage solutions. TES is vital for managing the intermittency of these sources, ensuring a reliable energy supply even when production is low.
• Supportive Government Policies: Government incentives and policies that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption are significant market drivers. Financial incentives and regulatory frameworks can encourage investment in TES technologies, driving market growth.
• Growing Focus on Sustainability and Climate Goals: With increasing concerns over climate change, the transition to sustainable energy systems has gained momentum. Thermal energy storage is essential for decarbonizing energy systems, making it crucial for achieving climate goals.
• Technological Advancements: Ongoing innovations in materials science and engineering contribute to the development of more efficient TES systems. Advances in phase-change materials and other technologies are enhancing performance, making TES a more attractive option for various applications.

Challenges

• High Initial Costs: The capital investment required for implementing thermal energy storage systems can be a barrier for many businesses and organizations. High upfront costs may deter potential adopters despite the long-term savings associated with TES solutions.
• Technological Limitations: Some existing TES technologies face limitations in efficiency and scalability, which can impact their widespread adoption. Ongoing research and development are necessary to address these limitations and improve overall performance.
• Lack of Awareness and Understanding: Many potential users may not fully understand the benefits of TES or how it can integrate with existing energy systems. This lack of awareness can hinder market growth and adoption rates.
• Regulatory and Policy Barriers: While some government policies support TES, others may create barriers to market entry. Inconsistent regulations or lack of support can pose challenges for stakeholders looking to invest in TES technologies.
• Competition from Alternative Energy Storage Solutions: The rise of various energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries and other advanced systems, presents competition for TES. As these alternatives gain traction, TES may face challenges in differentiating its value proposition.

Understanding the key drivers and challenges in the thermal energy storage market is vital for stakeholders aiming to navigate this evolving landscape effectively. By leveraging market drivers and addressing challenges, stakeholders can play a crucial role in shaping the future of thermal energy storage and contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

List of Thermal Energy Storage Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies thermal energy storage companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base.

Some of the thermal energy storage companies profiled in this report include:

• Abengoa Solar
• Burns & McDonnell
• SolarReserve
• BrightSource Energy
• Calmac
• MAN Energy Solutions
• Baltimore Air Coil Technology
• Cristopia Energy
• Cryogel
• Caldwell Energy

Thermal Energy Storage by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the global thermal energy storage market by technology, storage material, application, end use, and region.

Technology [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Sensible Heat Storage
• Latent Heat Storage
• Thermochemical Storage

Storage Material [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Water
• Molten Salts
• Phase Change Materials
• Others

Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Power Generation
• District Heating & Cooling
• Process Heating & Cooling
• Others

End Use [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Utilities
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Others

Region [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World

Country Wise Outlook for the Thermal Energy Storage Market

Thermal energy storage (TES) has received massive attention worldwide as countries try to enhance energy efficiency and properly integrate renewable sources into their energy systems, especially given rising energy demands and climate change.

• United States: The U.S. market has been growing due to technological innovation and enabling policies, especially with molten salt storage systems for concentrated solar power plants, which allow for extended energy delivery beyond daylight hours.
• China: China remains a significant participant in TES research, investing heavily in R&D of phase change materials (PCMs) and large-scale storage systems to support its renewable energy targets and energy efficiency.
• Germany: Sustainability is the focus in Germany. TES-based supportive technologies, such as innovative seasonal thermal energy storage systems that utilize excess heat generation during warmer months, will be employed to store energy for colder months.
• India: India is increasingly recognizing the potential of TES as a vital component in supporting its solar energy initiatives, including pilot projects for molten salt storage systems in concentrated solar power plants and a growing emphasis on integrating TES with industrial energy processes.
• Japan: Following the post-energy crisis triggered by the Fukushima disaster, energy efficiency and resilience, guided by the maxim of reliability, have led Japan to deploy TES systems in residential heating applications while investing heavily in developing advanced materials that enhance thermal storage performance and reliability.

Features of this Global Thermal Energy Storage Market Report

• Market Size Estimates: Thermal energy storage market size estimation in terms of value ($M).
• Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.
• Segmentation Analysis: Thermal energy storage market size by various segments, such as by technology, storage material, application, end use, and region in terms of value ($M).
• Regional Analysis: Thermal energy storage market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different technologies, storage materials, applications, end uses, and regions for the thermal energy storage market.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the thermal energy storage market.
• Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.

This report answers the following 11 key questions:

Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the thermal energy storage market by technology (sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and thermochemical storage), storage material (water, molten salts, phase change materials, and others), application (power generation, district heating & cooling, process heating & cooling, and others), end use (utilities, commercial, industrial, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?