Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast Segmented By Business Type (System and Service), By Pollutant Control System (Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) and DeNOx Systems), By End-User (Power, Chemical and Petrochemical), By Region, By Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2018-2028F

Market Overview

Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market has valued at USD 51.94 billion 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.91% through 2028. The anticipated expansion of the global market is expected to be propelled by significant factors, including the escalating number of construction and renovation projects worldwide. This steady growth is attributed to the rising demand for cement, driven by strict government regulations pertaining to pollution and effluent emissions. Furthermore, the increasing infrastructural development on a global scale, encompassing flyovers, bridges, tunnels, dams, roads, and public transport infrastructure, alongside construction activities in both commercial and residential sectors, continues to fuel the demand for cement.

Key Market Drivers

Stringent Environmental Regulations and Emission Reduction Target

One of the key drivers in the Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market is the growing stringency of environmental regulations imposed by governments and international bodies. Concerns regarding air quality, climate change, and public health have prompted authorities worldwide to enforce rigorous emissions limits for industries, particularly those involved in power generation and manufacturing.

Governments globally are setting ambitious targets for emission reduction to combat climate change and enhance air quality. These targets often necessitate substantial reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and other harmful pollutants emitted from industrial processes. Industries must invest in advanced flue gas treatment systems to achieve compliance.

The detrimental effects of air pollution on public health are well-documented, leading to increased awareness and demand for cleaner air. Stringent regulations aim to restrict emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, a major contributor to acid rain, and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog. Flue gas treatment systems play a vital role in helping industries meet these targets for air quality improvement.

Growth in Coal-Fired Power Generation  

Despite the growing adoption of renewable energy sources, coal-fired power generation remains a significant driver in the Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market. Coal continues to be a cost-effective and reliable electricity source in many regions, particularly in emerging economies.

Several countries, especially in Asia, heavily rely on coal for electricity generation due to its affordability and availability. However, the combustion of coal releases substantial amounts of pollutants, requiring the use of flue gas treatment systems to control emissions of SO2, NOx, mercury, and particulate matter.

Existing coal-fired power plants are frequently retrofitted with modern flue gas treatment systems to comply with emissions regulations. These retrofitting projects propel the demand for flue gas treatment technologies as power plant operators strive to ensure compliance while utilizing coal as an energy source.

Growth in Industrialization and Manufacturing

The expansion of industrialization and manufacturing activities worldwide serves as a significant catalyst in the Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market. As economies evolve and manufacturing sectors flourish, industrial emissions escalate, necessitating the installation of efficient flue gas treatment systems.

Industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, cement, steel, and pulp and paper production discharge a variety of pollutants into the atmosphere. These emissions encompass NOx, SO2, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous air pollutants. Governments and environmental agencies impose stringent emissions limits on these sectors, thereby driving the demand for flue gas treatment solutions.

The globalization of supply chains has spurred heightened manufacturing activities in diverse regions. This surge in growth entails increased emissions since manufacturing processes commonly involve the combustion of fossil fuels. Flue gas treatment systems play an indispensable role in mitigating the environmental impact of industrial expansion.

Continual advancements in flue gas treatment technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR), electrostatic precipitators (ESP), and wet scrubbers, are rendering these systems more efficient and cost-effective. Innovations in materials and system designs enhance pollutant removal rates while concurrently reducing operating costs.

In conclusion, the Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market is propelled by stringent environmental regulations and emission reduction targets, the persistent reliance on coal-fired power generation, and the upsurge in industrialization and manufacturing activities. As countries prioritize cleaner air and reduced emissions, the demand for advanced flue gas treatment systems is expected to remain robust, fostering innovation and technological development within the industry.

Download Free Sample Report

Key Market Challenges

Complex Regulatory Landscape and Evolving Standards

One of the significant challenges in the global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market is the complex and continuously evolving regulatory landscape that governs emissions from industrial processes. Governments and environmental agencies worldwide are implementing increasingly stringent emissions standards to address air quality concerns and combat climate change.

Different countries and regions have their own unique emissions regulations, which makes it challenging for multinational industries to navigate and comply with these diverse standards. Companies operating across borders often need to customize their flue gas treatment systems to meet the specific requirements of each jurisdiction.

Emissions standards are not static; they are subject to frequent updates and revisions. This dynamic regulatory environment poses challenges for businesses in terms of keeping up with changing requirements and ensuring that their flue gas treatment systems remain compliant over time.

Achieving compliance with stringent emissions standards can be costly. Investment in advanced flue gas treatment technologies, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance can strain the financial resources of industries, especially smaller enterprises. Balancing regulatory compliance with cost-effectiveness is an ongoing challenge.

Technological Complexities and Variability in Pollutant Types  

Flue gas treatment systems must effectively address a diverse range of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals such as mercury. Each pollutant necessitates distinct treatment approaches and technologies, which contribute to the complexity of system design and operation.

Treatment technologies for different pollutants are often specialized and not easily adaptable for multiple contaminants. For instance, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) proves effective in reducing NOx, but may not be suitable for eliminating other pollutants.

In numerous cases, industrial processes emit multiple pollutants simultaneously, posing technical challenges in achieving multipollutant control within a single flue gas treatment system, while maintaining optimal efficiency.

Industrial emissions exhibit significant variations based on factors such as fuel type, combustion processes, and operating conditions. Fluctuations in emission levels can impact the performance of flue gas treatment systems, necessitating continuous adjustments and optimization.

Key Market Trends

Shift Toward Sustainable and Low-Carbon Technologies

One notable trend in the Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market is the increasing focus on sustainability and low-carbon technologies. Industries worldwide are facing pressure to reduce their environmental impact and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

As the transition to renewable energy sources gains momentum, industries are exploring ways to integrate cleaner energy into their operations. Flue gas treatment systems are being adapted to work in synergy with renewable energy technologies, such as biomass and hydrogen, which result in lower emissions.

There is a growing interest in carbon capture and utilization technologies. Flue gas treatment systems are being modified to capture CO2 emissions from industrial processes, with the captured carbon dioxide then utilized in various applications, including enhanced oil recovery and the production of synthetic fuels and chemicals.

Sustainable flue gas treatment solutions are often designed to minimize energy consumption and waste. Industries are actively seeking more energy-efficient treatment systems to reduce operational costs and minimize their environmental footprint.

Advancements in Digitalization and Monitoring

The Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market is undergoing a transformation through the adoption of digital technologies and advanced monitoring systems. These technologies facilitate real-time data collection, analysis, and remote control, resulting in enhanced system performance, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and devices into flue gas treatment systems enables continuous monitoring of emissions, system performance, and equipment health. This data can be analyzed to optimize operations and anticipate maintenance requirements.

Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are employed to process the substantial amount of data generated by flue gas treatment systems. These technologies can identify patterns, anomalies, and opportunities for efficiency enhancements, supporting informed decision-making and reducing operational costs.

Remote monitoring and control capabilities empower operators to manage flue gas treatment systems from off-site locations. This is particularly advantageous for large and geographically dispersed industrial facilities, enhancing system uptime and minimizing reliance on on-site personnel.

Segmental Insights

Pollutant Control System Insights

The Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) plays a critical role in the Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market, primarily aimed at reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from industrial processes, especially power generation and industrial combustion. FGD systems are extensively employed in coal-fired power plants to regulate SO2 emissions. The combustion of coal releases sulfur compounds found in it, resulting in the emission of SO2. FGD systems efficiently capture and remove sulfur compounds from flue gases.

The increasingly stringent emissions standards and regulations enforced by governments and environmental agencies worldwide serve as significant drivers for FGD systems. These regulations impose limitations on SO2 emissions from industrial processes, compelling industries to adopt FGD technologies for compliance.

FGD systems are not limited to power generation alone; they are employed in various industrial sectors such as cement manufacturing, oil refineries, chemical processing, and waste-to-energy plants, where sulfur-containing fuels or raw materials are utilized. Dry FGD technologies, which utilize dry sorbent injection, have gained popularity due to their lower water consumption and smaller footprint compared to traditional wet FGD systems. These advancements cater to industries seeking more sustainable and resource-efficient solutions. FGD systems are increasingly integrated with digitalization and automation technologies, enabling real-time monitoring, control, and optimization. These advancements enhance system reliability and reduce maintenance costs.

End-User Insights

The Power segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The power generation segment plays a crucial role in the Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market. This segment primarily focuses on mitigating emissions from different power generation sources, including coal, natural gas, oil, and biomass.

Coal-fired power plants are major users of flue gas treatment systems due to significant emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and mercury resulting from coal combustion. Flue gas treatment systems assist power plants in complying with stringent emissions regulations. Many existing coal-fired power plants are retrofitting their facilities with advanced flue gas treatment systems to reduce emissions and meet evolving environmental standards, presenting a significant market opportunity. While natural gas is considered a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal, natural gas power generation still produces emissions, particularly NOx.

Flue gas treatment systems, such as SCR and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), are used to control NOx emissions and ensure compliance with emissions limits. Biomass and waste-to-energy power generation sources emit flue gases containing pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates.

Flue gas treatment systems are employed to purify these emissions and adhere to environmental regulations. Oil-based power generation and refineries often emit SO2, NOx, and other pollutants. Flue gas treatment systems are indispensable in these facilities to comply with emissions regulations and minimize environmental impact. The power segment is increasingly embracing digitalization and advanced monitoring systems. Real-time data analysis and remote control capabilities enable power plants to optimize the performance of flue gas treatment systems and reduce operational costs.

Download Free Sample Report

Regional Insights

The Asia-Pacific region plays a significant role in the Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market, driven by its burgeoning industrialization, escalating energy demand, and the imperative to address environmental concerns. Rapid industrialization is being witnessed in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in countries like China and India. This surge in industrial growth leads to heightened emissions of pollutants from industries such as power generation, manufacturing, and chemical processing.

The mounting environmental awareness and concerns pertaining to air quality are compelling governments in the Asia-Pacific region to enforce more stringent emissions standards. Consequently, flue gas treatment systems have become indispensable for industries to ensure compliance with these regulations. In certain countries within the Asia-Pacific region, coal remains a primary energy source due to its availability and cost-effectiveness. However, this reliance results in substantial emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, necessitating the implementation of advanced flue gas treatment systems.

While there is a growing shift towards cleaner energy sources like solar, wind, and natural gas, coal continues to remain a dominant energy source. Thus, flue gas treatment systems remain relevant as they guarantee emissions compliance for the existing fossil fuel-based power plants. Continuous technological advancements are driving the development of more efficient and cost-effective flue gas treatment systems.

Enhanced designs and materials not only improve system performance but also reduce operating costs. The increasing public awareness regarding air quality issues and their impact on health is propelling the demand for cleaner air. This growing consciousness is encouraging industries to invest in flue gas treatment systems in order to reduce emissions and enhance air quality.  

Recent Developments

• In April 2022, FlowVision was acquired by Axens SA, a Spanish company that provides technology, products, and services to the gas, petrochemical, and alternative fuel industries. The acquisition of FlowVision's DeNOx business is expected to enhance Axens' Air Pollution Control offering, enabling the company to better serve its clients with integrated and sustainable solutions aligned with its processes and equipment.
• In November 2021, Wartsila Corporation introduced the IQ Series, a new exhaust gas treatment system.

Key Market Players

• Clyde Bergemann Power Group
• Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems
• Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc.
• Clyde Bergemann Power Group
• STT Environ Corp
• Andritz AG
• Marsulex Environmental Technologies
• Bilfinger Engineering & Technologies Gmbh
• Chiyoda Corporation
• Ducon Technologies and Fuel Tech Inc.   

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market, By Business Type:

o   System

o   Service   

• Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market, By Pollutant Control System:

o   Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD)

o   DeNOx Systems   

• Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market, By End-User:

o   Power

o   Chemical

o   Petrochemical  

• Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Flue Gas Treatment Systems Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]