<p>Solar power towers (SPTs) represent a pivotal technology within the concentrated solar power (CSP) domain, offering dispatchable and high-efficiency energy through integrated thermal energy storage (TES) and scalable tower-based receiver systems. This review systematically synthesizes recent advancements across core SPT components, including TES materials, receiver designs, heliostat field and tracking, and modeling tools, while uniquely integrating artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things, and cyber-physical systems for system-level optimization. Unlike prior reviews that examine these elements independently, this study provides a holistic assessment of both technological innovations and their real-world deployment readiness. Quantitative metrics such as thermal efficiency, corrosion resistance, optical tracking accuracy, and levelized cost of electricity are used to compare system performance. The review also evaluates the readiness of emerging hybrid configurations and AI-driven control strategies that enhance operational adaptability and predictive capability. Furthermore, the study discusses policy-related drivers such as tax incentives, capital subsidies, and feed-in tariffs that influence CSP adoption globally. By bridging the gap between component-level innovation and commercial feasibility, this review outlines actionable research directions for next-generation SPT systems with a focus on performance enhancement, economic viability, and long-term resilience under real-world environmental conditions.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>