Global Water Desalination Equipment Market By Source(Sea water, Brackish water, River water, Others), By Product(Membranes, Pumps, Evaporators, Others, By Technology, Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multi-stage Flash (MSF) distillation, Multi-effect Distillation (MED), Others), By Application(Municipal, Industrial, Others) , By Region and Key Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024–2033

Report Overview

The global Water Desalination Equipment Market size is expected to be worth around USD 21 billion by 2033, from USD 10 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

The Water Desalination Equipment Market is focused on innovative technologies and equipment that remove salt and other minerals from primarily seawater and brackish water, making it suitable for human consumption and other uses. This market is especially crucial in areas with water scarcity, where conventional freshwater sources cannot meet the demands of growing populations and industrial activities. Technologies such as Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) distillation, and Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) play a pivotal role, with RO being the most dominant due to its efficiency and lower energy consumption.

Governments globally are actively supporting the adoption of desalination technologies through regulations and investments, providing subsidies for the construction and operation of desalination plants to enhance accessibility and affordability. Such governmental support is particularly strong in regions like the Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific, where there is a critical need to develop new projects to address the increasing water demand driven by rapid population growth and industrial expansion.

The market serves mainly the municipal and industrial sectors. The municipal sector, responsible for supplying potable water to urban populations, currently leads the market and is expanding rapidly. This growth is fueled by the development of megacities and the swelling urban populations which increase the strain on existing water supplies. Conversely, the industrial sector is experiencing the highest growth rates, driven by the soaring water requirements of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and manufacturing, particularly in fast-developing economies.

Technological advancements are crucial to the market’s expansion, with innovations in desalination technologies boosting efficiency and reducing costs. The market is also characterized by strategic activities such as mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, essential for companies looking to expand their technological capabilities and market reach. These efforts not only promote technological advancement but also enhance the geographical and operational scale of the companies involved.

Key Takeaways

• Desalination Equipment Market size is expected to be worth around USD 21 billion by 2033, from USD 10 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 9.1%.
• Sea Water held a dominant market position in the Water Desalination Equipment market, capturing more than a 63.2% share.
• Membranes held a dominant market position in the Water Desalination Equipment market, capturing more than a 47.4% share.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) held a dominant market position in the Water Desalination Equipment market, capturing more than a 62.3% share.
• Municipal sector held a dominant market position in the Water Desalination Equipment market, capturing more than a 71.2% share.
• Asia Pacific (APAC) region is the market leader, commanding a 46% share with a valuation of USD 4.4 billion.

By Source

In 2023, Sea Water held a dominant market position in the Water Desalination Equipment market, capturing more than a 63.2% share. This significant market share is primarily due to the abundant availability of seawater globally and the technological advancements in sea water reverse osmosis (SWRO) systems that make it a preferred source for large-scale desalination projects. SWRO equipment is especially predominant because it effectively handles the high salinity of seawater, which is the most challenging and common application for desalination technologies.

Brackish water is the next significant segment within the market. Although it has a lower salinity than seawater, it requires specialized equipment to handle the unique characteristics of brackish sources. This segment is gaining traction due to the increasing use of inland water sources that are less saline but still unsuitable for direct consumption without treatment. The growth in this segment is driven by regions with limited access to seawater and an abundance of brackish water resources.

River water, while less commonly used for desalination, still plays a crucial role in regions where river waters are too contaminated or saline for direct use. The desalination of river water typically involves less intensive technologies compared to seawater, due to its generally lower salinity levels, making it a viable option for areas near polluted or saline rivers.

By Product

In 2023, Membranes held a dominant market position in the Water Desalination Equipment market, capturing more than a 47.4% share. This prevalence is largely due to the efficiency and effectiveness of membrane-based technologies like Reverse Osmosis (RO), which are central to modern desalination processes. Membranes are crucial for their ability to filter out salts and other impurities from saline water, making them indispensable in producing fresh water from sea and brackish water sources.

Following membranes, Pumps are another critical component of the desalination equipment market. Pumps are essential for moving water through the desalination system, particularly in processes that require high pressure, such as RO systems. Their efficiency and reliability directly impact the overall energy consumption and operational costs of desalination plants.

Evaporators also play a significant role in the market, especially in thermal desalination processes like Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and Multi-Effect Distillation (MED). These devices are used to evaporate seawater and then condense the steam to produce fresh water. Although more energy-intensive than membrane processes, evaporators are preferred in regions where energy costs are lower or where thermal energy is readily available.

By Technology

In 2023, Reverse Osmosis (RO) held a dominant market position in the Water Desalination Equipment market, capturing more than a 62.3% share. This leading position is attributed to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of RO technology, which is favored for its ability to remove salts and other impurities from water using a semi-permeable membrane. RO is particularly popular because it requires less energy compared to thermal desalination processes, making it a sustainable choice for many regions focusing on reducing energy consumption.

Following RO, Multi-stage Flash (MSF) distillation is another key technology in the desalination market. MSF works by heating seawater and then allowing it to boil in multiple stages at lower pressures, making it effective but more energy-intensive. This technology is commonly used in countries where energy costs are lower or where integrated water and power plants can optimize energy use.

Multi-effect Distillation (MED) also plays a significant role in the market. Similar to MSF, MED involves evaporating seawater in stages, each at a lower temperature than the last, which increases efficiency by using the heat from the previous stage. MED is valued for its potential for high thermal efficiency, especially when coupled with low-grade heat sources.

By Application

In 2023, the Municipal sector held a dominant market position in the Water Desalination Equipment market, capturing more than a 71.2% share. This substantial market share reflects the critical role of desalination in providing potable water to urban populations, especially in regions facing acute water scarcity. Municipal applications involve the large-scale production of drinking water to meet the needs of cities and towns, making desalination technology essential for ensuring a reliable and safe water supply.

Following the Municipal sector, the Industrial sector is another significant user of water desalination equipment. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and power generation rely on desalination to provide high-quality, purified water essential for their operations. The demand in this sector is driven by industrial growth in water-scarce regions where conventional water sources are insufficient or contaminated.

Key Market Segments

By Source

• Sea water
• Brackish water
• River water
• Others

By Product

• Membranes
• Pumps
• Evaporators
• Others

By Technology

• Reverse Osmosis (RO)
• Multi-stage Flash (MSF) distillation
• Multi-effect Distillation (MED)
• Others

By Application

• Municipal
• Industrial
• Others

Driving Factors

Increasing Global Water Scarcity

A primary driving force behind the growth of the water desalination equipment market is the escalating global water scarcity. This issue is compounded by rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrialization, particularly in developing economies. These factors collectively strain existing freshwater resources, necessitating alternative solutions like desalination to meet the increasing water demands.

In 2023, the market witnessed significant demand driven by these factors, with projections indicating a continued rise in the adoption of desalination technologies, highlighting the urgency and the scaling needs for desalination systems across various regions​.

Technological Advancements and Government Initiatives

Technological advancements in desalination processes, especially in Reverse Osmosis (RO), contribute significantly to the market growth. RO is noted for its efficiency, lower energy requirements, and the ability to handle various types of feed water, making it a widely adopted technology in the field. Governments across the globe are supporting these advancements through funding, regulatory support, and incentives to encourage the adoption of sustainable and efficient water treatment solutions​.

Regional Insights and Future Outlook

Regions such as the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa, where water scarcity is particularly severe, are rapidly adopting and investing in desalination equipment. The Middle East and Africa, for example, are leading in market share due to the critical need for freshwater solutions in these arid regions. Moreover, Asia Pacific is expected to see the fastest market growth, driven by necessities in populous countries like China and India, where industrial and urban water demands are surging​.

Restraining Factors

High Operational Costs

One significant challenge hindering the growth of the water desalination equipment market is the high cost associated with desalination processes and equipment. This factor is particularly impactful in regions where financial resources are limited, as the initial setup and ongoing operational expenses can be substantial. The costs are compounded by the energy-intensive nature of major desalination technologies like Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) distillation, which require considerable energy input, thus increasing the operational expenditure of desalination plants.

The cost challenges are not just limited to operations but also encompass maintenance and the replacement of crucial components such as membranes and pumps, which can be expensive to manage over the lifespan of the equipment. These high costs can deter new entries into the market and limit the expansion of existing facilities, especially in less developed nations that might benefit most from such technologies.

Furthermore, environmental concerns associated with desalination, such as the disposal of brine and chemical usage, add additional layers of complexity and expense. These environmental factors necessitate further investments in technology to mitigate adverse impacts, which can also drive up costs​(

Growth Opportunities

Expanding Markets in Asia-Pacific and Renewable Energy Integration

A significant growth opportunity in the water desalination equipment market is the rapid expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Countries like China, India, and Australia are increasingly relying on desalination technologies due to growing industrialization, urbanization, and the pressing need for fresh water. This regional demand is catalyzed by diminishing local water resources and the necessity to support a growing population and economic activities. For instance, China’s significant investment in desalination facilities to raise its capacity underscores this trend and is mirrored by similar initiatives across the region​.

Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources with desalination technologies presents a considerable growth avenue. Leveraging solar, wind, and other renewable energies to power desalination plants is becoming a viable solution to address the high energy costs traditionally associated with water desalination. This not only makes the desalination process more sustainable but also more cost-effective in the long run. The shift towards renewable-powered desalination is seen as a strategic move to meet environmental goals while ensuring a steady supply of fresh water​.

These factors combined indicate a robust trajectory for the water desalination equipment market, driven by technological advancements, a growing global demand for freshwater, and supportive government policies. The market’s expansion is further facilitated by the increasing feasibility of integrating these systems with renewable energy sources, positioning desalination as a key player in global water management strategies.

Latest Trends

Major Latest Trends in the Water Desalination Equipment Market

One of the latest trends in the water desalination equipment market is the increasing use of renewable energy sources to power desalination plants. This trend is driven by the need to reduce the high energy consumption associated with desalination processes and to address environmental concerns. Many new Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination projects are being powered by photovoltaic solar energy, reflecting a significant shift towards sustainability in the industry. This integration of renewable energy sources not only helps in reducing the carbon footprint of desalination plants but also enhances their economic viability over the long term .

Additionally, technological advancements in membrane materials and energy recovery devices are playing a crucial role in shaping market trends. Enhanced membrane materials are improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, allowing them to handle various types of feed water with reduced chemical usage and lower operational costs. These innovations are crucial for expanding the applicability of RO systems across different regions and water types, making desalination more accessible globally .

The market is also witnessing a trend towards the development of intelligent and automated desalination systems. These systems utilize IoT-enabled sensors and devices to monitor various aspects of the desalination process, such as water quality, energy consumption, and equipment performance. Real-time data collection and analysis facilitated by these technologies enable predictive maintenance, which can significantly improve the operational efficiency and lifespan of desalination equipment .

Regional Analysis

The water desalination equipment market exhibits dynamic growth across various global regions, each driven by unique environmental needs and technological advancements. The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is the market leader, commanding a 46% share with a valuation of USD 4.4 billion. This dominance is fueled by escalating water scarcity issues across populous countries such as China and India, combined with governmental initiatives to improve water security through investments in desalination infrastructure.

In the Middle East & Africa (MEA), the necessity for desalination equipment is particularly acute due to the natural aridity and the lack of sustainable freshwater resources. The region is known for housing some of the world’s largest desalination plants, predominantly using thermal desalination technologies, though recent trends show a shift towards energy-efficient reverse osmosis systems.

Europe’s market is expanding, driven by the rising demand for clean water in Mediterranean countries and increased industrial applications. Countries like Spain and Italy are enhancing their desalination capabilities to combat periodic droughts and support agricultural sectors.

North America’s market growth is characterized by innovative technological adoption to ensure sustainable water supply solutions, particularly in drought-prone areas such as California. The region is also a leader in integrating renewable energy sources with desalination processes to reduce the environmental footprint.

Latin America, though smaller in market size, shows potential for growth in coastal areas where traditional freshwater resources are insufficient. Nations like Chile and Mexico are increasingly relying on desalination to secure water for municipal and industrial use, driven by geographical and climatic challenges.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia & CIS
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The water desalination equipment market is characterized by a strong presence of several key global players, each contributing unique technological advancements and comprehensive solutions tailored to the increasing global demand for fresh water. Among these, Acciona S.A. and Veolia Environnement SA are notable for their extensive experience and leadership in large-scale desalination projects, utilizing advanced technologies to serve municipal and industrial needs across the globe. Acciona has been instrumental in deploying sustainable practices within their projects to reduce environmental impacts, while Veolia has been at the forefront of integrating energy-efficient processes into their desalination operations.

Companies like Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction and IDE Technologies also play critical roles in shaping the industry landscape. Doosan has been a pioneer in constructing turnkey desalination plants, particularly excelling in the Middle East, where the demand for such technologies is the highest. IDE Technologies specializes in both thermal and membrane-based desalination, focusing on innovative approaches to optimize water output and minimize energy consumption.

Smaller specialists like Genesis Water Technologies and Advanced Watertek demonstrate expertise in tailored solutions that address specific regional water scarcity issues. Genesis focuses on sustainable water treatment solutions, often for industrial applications, while Advanced Watertek delivers custom-engineered reverse osmosis systems that are vital for remote and challenging environments. The presence of these diverse entities ensures a competitive market landscape, driving technological innovations and expanding global access to desalinated water. These companies collectively push the boundaries of what’s possible in the desalination field, addressing one of the most pressing global challenges—water scarcity.

Market Key Players

• Abengoa
• Acciona S.A.
• Advanced Watertek
• Aquatech International LLC
• Biwater
• Biwater Holdings Limited
• Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction
• Ferrovial
• Genesis Water Technologies
• Guangzhou KangYang Seawater Desalination Equipment Co., Ltd. (KYSEARO)
• IDE Technologies
• Koch Separation Solutions
• SUEZ SA
• Veolia Environnement SA
• Webuild SpA
• Xylem Inc.

Recent Development

Abengoa has focused on expanding its desalination projects, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency. The company is recognized for deploying advanced technologies in reverse osmosis and thermal desalination processes, which are integral to addressing the critical water needs in arid regions around the world.

Acciona was instrumental in advancing projects like the Casablanca seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant in Morocco, which is set to be one of the largest of its kind outside the GCC.

Report Scope