£3bn water aeration market set to double by 2020

The increased demand for secondary wastewater treatment in the developing world could double the revenue of the global aeration systems market, according analysts.


The market earned revenues of $4.88bn (£3bn) in 2011 and the consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan’s latest analysis estimates this to reach $8.39bn (£5.17bn) in 2020.

Considered highly reliable technology, the aeration systems will see increased global uptake, due to the demand for wider connectivity to secondary wastewater treatment services in developing regions.

Frost & Sullivan environmental research analyst, Bhooma Madhavan said: “There is an increasing need for secondary wastewater treatment, particularly in developing countries where existing wastewater treatment plant infrastructure is either non-existent or in a poorly developed state.”

“At the same time, most wastewater treatment facilities in developed countries are in an ageing state, requiring immediate refurbishment.” 

Bolstered by progressively stricter environmental regulation across all regions, these trends will push the uptake of aeration systems. 

Moreover, mandatory compliance with wastewater related legislation, such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) in the EU, will heighten demand for aeration equipment in developed countries. 

Understanding local dynamics will be crucial if manufacturers are to leverage the high-growth potential in developing countries, advised Madhavan. 

“As local companies become more prominent, especially in high-growth markets in developing regions, knowledge of local business practices, regulations and an understanding of market priorities will become vital,” she said.

The potential is there to harness the power of aeration, yet despite this Frost & Sullivan warned that its energy-intensive nature remains a concern, particularly at a time when energy prices are rising.

According to the firm, the high energy intensity of aeration will encourage greater innovation and competitiveness in the market while it opens itself to the threat of alternative technologies that enable energy recovery.

Conor McGlone

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