Declining availability of freshwater and depleting water resources coupled with growing infrastructure development is expected to increase demand for freshwater for industrial as well as drinking purposes. This factor is anticipated to drive the atmospheric water generator market size for the next seven years.
The per capita water availability has fallen significantly during the past decade. During the period between 1993 and 1997 global average per capita availability of water from renewable sources stood at 25042.5 m3/ person/ year; it declined to 19684.2 m3/ person/ year during the period 2007 to 2012, a decline of 21.4%.
It is currently estimated to 19422.3 m3/ person/ year. Rising temperatures coupled with scanty rainfall has led to drying of river beds and lakes causing water shortage. In addition, growing industrialization and infrastructure development, particularly in developing countries, has led to water scarcity. This factor is also likely to drive the atmospheric water generator market demand.
Government policies and initiatives such as Safe Drinking Water Act in the US, Drinking Water Directive in the EU nations, DWQS in Japan and National Rural Drinking Water Program in India are all aimed at supporting AWG market growth by ensuring safe potable water availability for the populace. According to WHO statistics, over 50% of global pollution is affected by water-borne diseases. As a result, water generated through AWG systems is an effective alternative providing contaminant-free water by condensing filtered air through various filtration processes.
High amount of electricity required for AWG systems such as dehumidifier, evaporator, and condenser makes it a non-feasible option in some regions with high electricity costs. Greenhouse gases (GNG) emission released by coal or another non-renewable form of energy posses’ threat to the environment. Investment in research to develop low cost and clean technology is likely to open new growth avenues for the AWG market.
Product Analysis
Cooling condensation was the dominant machine type and generated revenue estimated at over USD 750 million in 2014. Higher output efficiency coupled with the widespread availability of these machines contributed to its dominant share. Technology innovation related to reducing power consumption coupled with manufacturing machines with on-board power supply is likely to drive cooling condensation systems.
Wet desiccation machines consisted of over 2500 units globally in 2014 and are likely to grow at significant rates with more than 40% CAGR from 2015 to 2022. Technology upgrade related to replacement of crystalline brine salt with liquid brine in order to improve humidity extraction from the air is anticipated to increase demand over the next seven years.
Application Analysis
Residential atmospheric water generator market witnessed the largest installation of these systems with a total number of consolidated installations crossing 100,000 units in 2014. Increasing consumer awareness regarding the technology befits from these systems are likely to drive atmospheric water generator market growth in residential applications.
Industrial applications accounted for more than 25% of the total demand and are likely to witness growth rates at an estimated CAGR of over 37% from 2015 to 2022. They are primarily employed in Oil & Gas industries particularly in the Middle East an industry which requires water output of over 20,000gallons/day.
Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific, driven by Thailand and China atmospheric water generator market size, was the dominant region valuation of over USD 400 million in 2014. Increasing residential & commercial spending in regions such as India, UAE, Philippines, South Africa, and Indonesia is likely to drive regional demand. Factors such as the presence of a vast number of component manufacturers coupled with availability of low manufacturing & labor costs is also likely to fuel demand.
Middle East & Africa (MEA) atmospheric water generator market share accounted for more than 27% of the total demand in 2014 and is likely to witness highest gains at a CAGR of over 38% up to 2022. Fresh water reserve deficits in the region coupled with high investments cost for installing desalination plants is likely to drive AGY system demand in MEA.
Competitive Market Share
The global atmospheric water generator market share is characterized by numerous component suppliers responsible for supplying parts for manufacturing atmospheric water generator. These manufacturers source parts including water level indicators, temperature and pressure sensors, condensers, evaporators, and compressors.
Companies such as WaterMicronWorld International, Ltd are engaged in atmospheric water generator manufacturing.
