The thermal power plant market involves the generation of electricity through combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, fuel oil etc. Thermal plants comprise power generating units or blocks which use steam turbines for power generation. Thermal power serves as a baseload generation source in many countries and accounts for bulk of total electricity generation worldwide. Thermal plants offer advantages such as availability of primary fuels and proven technology. However, combustion of fossil fuels leads to emission of pollutants.
The Global Thermal Power Plant Market Share is estimated to be valued at US$ 1,532.34 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.5% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the thermal power plant market are EDF, American Electric Power Company, Inc., Siemens AG, General Electric Company, Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc., National Thermal Power Corporation Limited, ENGIE, Duke Energy Corporation, SSE, NTPC Limited, Adani Power Limited., Tata Group., Reliance Power Limited., Maharashtra State Power Generation Co. Ltd., Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL), India Power Corporation Ltd., Jindal Steel & Power Limited., and NS Energy Group. These companies are focusing on contracts for upgrading existing plants and setting up new power projects across regions to tap the growing demand for power.
The demand for electricity has witnessed a significant increase over the past few years driven by development in industrial, commercial and residential sectors globally. Rapid urbanization and increasing spending power is further driving the consumption of power especially across developing countries of Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa.
Several countries are investing heavily in setting up new thermal power projects and upgrading the existing infrastructure to ensure reliability of power supply and meet the rising demand from consumer end use segments. For instance, China and India have embarked on massive capacity addition programs to meet their growing needs. Furthermore, countries in Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Africa are also actively adding new coal and gas-fired plants to their power generation mix.
Market drivers
The key driver boosting the growth of thermal power plant market is the rising electricity demand worldwide. According to the International Energy Agency, the global electricity demand is anticipated to grow over 2% annually till 2040. Another major factor is the abundant availability of coal reserves globally which makes it an economical choice for baseload power generation. Fossil fuels are expected to continue their dominance as primary fuels for electricity generation given their technical practicality and cost competitiveness compared to renewable sources. This will drive ongoing investments in thermal power plants.
Impact of geopolitical situation on Thermal Power Plant Market growth
The current geopolitical tensions and conflicts among various nations are adversely impacting the growth of the global thermal power plant market. Political instability and economic sanctions in some regions are disrupting supply chains and hampering new project developments. Escalating tensions between major economies are also affecting investment decisions.
However, the need for reliable power generation will continue to drive the market. To sustain growth, companies will need to closely monitor changing political scenarios and diversify their geographical footprints. Local partnerships can help mitigate political risks in volatile markets. Considering various energy transition policies, integrating cleaner coal technologies and carbon capture utilization and storage can make thermal plants more compliant for future. Investing in renewable integration and hybrid energy models will also make the overall power portfolio more flexible and sustainable.
Concentration of Thermal Power Plant Market value across geographical regions
The Asia Pacific region holds the largest share of the total thermal power plant market value globally. Countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea have built massive coal-fired and gas-fired power generation capacities over the decades to meet their growing electricity demands. These countries contribute over 60% of the total market value currently.
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