GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Desalination Industry Statistics

The desalination industry is experiencing significant growth worldwide due to increasing water scarcity concerns and technological advancements.

Highlights: Desalination Industry Statistics

  • Global desalination market size was valued at USD 15.14 billion in 2020 (Grand View Research)
  • The desalination market is expected to reach USD 27.81 billion by 2028 (Grand View Research)
  • The global desalination market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2021 to 2028 (Grand View Research)
  • Membrane product devices accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 68.5% in 2020 (Grand View Research)
  • There are more than 20,000 desalination plants across 150 countries (International Desalination Association)
  • Reverse Osmosis technology accounts for 69% of installed desalination capacity worldwide (International Desalination Association)
  • The Middle East and North Africa region has the highest number of desalination plants, accounting for 44% of global installed capacity (International Desalination Association)
  • The annual production capacity of desalinated water globally was about 95 million cubic meters per day in 2020 (World Health Organization)
  • Seawater accounts for 60% of the water source in global desalination operations (International Desalination Association)
  • Saudi Arabia produces the highest amount of desalinated water in the world, closely followed by the United Arab Emirates (Statista)
  • It is estimated that up to 1% of the world's population is dependent on desalinated water to meet daily needs (Statista)
  • The desalination capacity of Israel is 600 million cubic meters per year, making it a leader in the field of desalination (Financial Times)
  • Large-scale desalination projects have the potential to produce between 1,000 and 100,000 cubic meters of water every day (The Balance)
  • Nearly half of the desalination capacity installed globally is in the high-income countries of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US and Spain (Worldometers)
  • Desalination in the United States represents 17% of domestic water use in 2019 (US Geological Survey)
  • The largest desalination plant in the US, the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, produces approximately 50 million gallons per day (Poseidon Water)
  • Desalination is expected to become a $25 billion annual market by 2025 (Research and Markets)
  • In 2020, the municipal sector held over 44.1 % share in the global desalination market (Markets and Markets)
  • The thermal desalination process was valued at around $5 billion in 2018, and is expected to increase in the coming years (Global Market Insights)
  • The global desalination pump market size was estimated at USD 653.8 million in 2020 (Fortune Business Insights)

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The Latest Desalination Industry Statistics Explained

Global desalination market size was valued at USD 15.14 billion in 2020 (Grand View Research)

The statistic “Global desalination market size was valued at USD 15.14 billion in 2020” indicates the total market value of desalination technologies and services worldwide during the year 2020 as estimated by Grand View Research. This figure represents the amount of money exchanged for desalination products and services in the global market. Given the increasing scarcity of fresh water resources and the rising demand for clean water across various industries and regions, the desalination market has experienced significant growth. This value serves as a key indicator of the economic significance and potential growth opportunities within the desalination industry, with implications for investment, innovation, and sustainability efforts in the water sector.

The desalination market is expected to reach USD 27.81 billion by 2028 (Grand View Research)

The statistic “The desalination market is expected to reach USD 27.81 billion by 2028 (Grand View Research)” indicates that the global desalination industry is projected to grow significantly over the coming years. This forecast suggests that the demand for desalination technologies and services, which convert seawater or brackish water into freshwater for various applications, is expected to increase substantially. Factors driving this growth may include population growth, water scarcity, urbanization, and industrial development, among others. The estimated market value of USD 27.81 billion by 2028 signifies a significant market opportunity for businesses operating in the desalination sector.

The global desalination market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2021 to 2028 (Grand View Research)

The statistic suggests that the global desalination market is projected to experience significant growth over the period from 2021 to 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. This indicates that the industry is anticipated to expand at an average annual rate of 9.2% during this timeframe. This growth trajectory is likely driven by factors such as increasing water scarcity, population growth, climate change impacts on water resources, and advancements in desalination technology. Such a rapid expansion in the desalination market implies promising opportunities for companies in the desalination sector and signifies the increasing importance of desalination as a solution to address global water challenges.

Membrane product devices accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 68.5% in 2020 (Grand View Research)

The statistic indicates that in 2020, membrane product devices held the highest proportion of total revenue among all types of products in the market, accounting for over 68.5%. This suggests that membrane product devices were the most lucrative segment within the industry during that year. This could be attributed to factors such as increased demand for these devices, their higher price points compared to other types of products, or their superior performance in meeting consumer needs. Companies operating in the membrane product device sector likely experienced significant profitability and market dominance based on this data, potentially leading to further investment and innovation in this product category in the future.

There are more than 20,000 desalination plants across 150 countries (International Desalination Association)

The statistic provided by the International Desalination Association states that there are over 20,000 desalination plants spread across 150 countries worldwide, highlighting the widespread and growing adoption of desalination technology. Desalination plants play a crucial role in addressing water scarcity issues by converting seawater or brackish water into fresh water suitable for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. The significant number of desalination plants and their global distribution underscore the importance of these facilities in providing an alternative source of clean water in regions facing water shortages or quality challenges. The statistic reflects the increasing significance of desalination as a solution to water scarcity issues on a global scale.

Reverse Osmosis technology accounts for 69% of installed desalination capacity worldwide (International Desalination Association)

The statistic that Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology accounts for 69% of installed desalination capacity worldwide, as reported by the International Desalination Association, indicates that RO is the predominant method used for desalinating seawater or brackish water on a global scale. This technology involves forcing water through a semipermeable membrane to remove salts and impurities, making it suitable for various water purification applications. The high percentage of installed capacity utilizing RO underscores its effectiveness, efficiency, and widespread adoption in addressing water scarcity challenges around the world. This statistic highlights the importance of RO technology in supporting freshwater supply in regions facing water shortages and increasing demand for clean water resources.

The Middle East and North Africa region has the highest number of desalination plants, accounting for 44% of global installed capacity (International Desalination Association)

The statistic indicates that the Middle East and North Africa region has the most significant concentration of desalination plants globally, comprising 44% of the total installed capacity worldwide. This suggests that water scarcity is a major concern in this region, leading to substantial investments in desalination technology to meet the growing demand for fresh water. The prevalence of desalination plants in this region highlights the reliance on this technology as a solution to alleviate water shortages and ensure access to clean water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. The high proportion of desalination plants in the Middle East and North Africa underscores the region’s proactive approach towards addressing water scarcity challenges through technological innovation and infrastructure development.

The annual production capacity of desalinated water globally was about 95 million cubic meters per day in 2020 (World Health Organization)

The statistic provided indicates that the global annual production capacity of desalinated water in 2020 was approximately 95 million cubic meters per day, according to the World Health Organization. This figure represents the total amount of freshwater that could potentially be produced through desalination processes on a daily basis around the world. Desalination is a crucial technology for addressing water scarcity issues in regions with limited freshwater resources, as it involves the removal of salts and minerals from seawater or brackish water to make it suitable for consumption and various uses. The significance of this statistic lies in highlighting the capacity of desalination plants to provide a sustainable solution for increasing access to clean water, particularly in areas facing water scarcity challenges.

Seawater accounts for 60% of the water source in global desalination operations (International Desalination Association)

This statistic indicates that seawater is the primary source of water used in global desalination operations, accounting for 60% of the total water inputs. Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater to produce fresh water for various uses such as drinking, agriculture, and industrial purposes. The fact that seawater accounts for a significant portion of the water source in desalination highlights the importance of utilizing abundant ocean resources to address water scarcity issues around the world. This statistic, provided by the International Desalination Association, underscores the reliance on seawater as a key component in meeting the growing demand for fresh water through desalination technologies.

Saudi Arabia produces the highest amount of desalinated water in the world, closely followed by the United Arab Emirates (Statista)

According to the data provided by Statista, Saudi Arabia is the leading global producer of desalinated water, with the highest volume of desalination output. This indicates that Saudi Arabia has established a significant infrastructure for desalination plants, likely due to the country’s arid climate and scarce freshwater resources. The ranking also highlights the strategic importance placed on water security in Saudi Arabia, given the reliance on desalination to meet domestic water demands. The United Arab Emirates closely follows Saudi Arabia in desalinated water production, suggesting a similar emphasis on addressing water scarcity through desalination technologies. This statistic underscores the critical role desalination plays in ensuring water accessibility and sustainability in these countries.

It is estimated that up to 1% of the world’s population is dependent on desalinated water to meet daily needs (Statista)

The statistic suggests that approximately 1% of the global population relies on desalinated water to fulfill their daily water requirements. Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water to produce freshwater suitable for consumption. This statistic implies that a small but significant portion of people around the world do not have access to sufficient freshwater resources through traditional means and therefore rely on desalination technology to meet their daily water needs. This highlights the importance of desalination technology in addressing water scarcity challenges and ensuring access to clean water for populations facing water shortages.

The desalination capacity of Israel is 600 million cubic meters per year, making it a leader in the field of desalination (Financial Times)

The statistic that the desalination capacity of Israel is 600 million cubic meters per year signifies that Israel possesses the ability to produce a large volume of desalinated water annually, positioning it as a prominent player in the field of desalination technology. This capacity indicates the country’s capability to address water scarcity issues through advanced desalination processes, providing a significant portion of its water supply from desalinated sources. By effectively utilizing desalination technology on such a scale, Israel demonstrates its commitment to ensuring water security for its population and supporting sustainable water resource management practices amidst increasing water resource challenges globally.

Large-scale desalination projects have the potential to produce between 1,000 and 100,000 cubic meters of water every day (The Balance)

The statistic indicates that large-scale desalination projects can generate a significant amount of water daily, ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 cubic meters. Desalination is the process of converting saline (salty) water into freshwater suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. This statistic highlights the substantial capacity of such projects to address water scarcity issues in arid regions or locations lacking sufficient freshwater resources. By producing such a substantial volume of water daily, these desalination projects play a crucial role in ensuring water security and meeting the growing water demands of populations in need of a sustainable water supply.

Nearly half of the desalination capacity installed globally is in the high-income countries of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US and Spain (Worldometers)

The statistic indicates that a significant proportion of the global desalination capacity is concentrated in high-income countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, and Spain. Specifically, it states that nearly half of the desalination capacity worldwide is found in these four countries. This suggests that these nations are likely to have the resources and infrastructure necessary to invest in and maintain desalination plants, which are critical for addressing water scarcity issues. The concentration of desalination capacity in high-income countries could also imply disparities in access to clean water resources between wealthier nations and lower-income countries, where desalination technology might be less prevalent due to economic constraints.

Desalination in the United States represents 17% of domestic water use in 2019 (US Geological Survey)

The statistic that desalination in the United States represents 17% of domestic water use in 2019, as reported by the US Geological Survey, indicates the significance of desalination as a water supply source in the country. Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh water suitable for consumption or irrigation. In 2019, this method accounted for 17% of the total water used domestically, showcasing the growing importance of desalination technology in addressing water scarcity and meeting the increasing demand for freshwater resources. This statistic highlights the role that desalination plays in diversifying water sources and ensuring a sustainable water supply in the United States.

The largest desalination plant in the US, the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, produces approximately 50 million gallons per day (Poseidon Water)

The statistic about the Carlsbad Desalination Plant producing approximately 50 million gallons per day highlights its significance as the largest desalination plant in the United States. Desalination plants play a crucial role in addressing water scarcity challenges by converting seawater or brackish water into fresh water suitable for human consumption and agricultural use. The sheer scale of production at the Carlsbad plant reflects the growing importance of alternative water sources to meet the increasing demand for clean water. This statistic underscores the plant’s substantial contribution to water supply security in the region by providing a substantial daily output of treated water, thereby reducing reliance on traditional freshwater sources and helping ensure a more sustainable water future for the local community.

Desalination is expected to become a $25 billion annual market by 2025 (Research and Markets)

The statistic suggests that the desalination industry is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating that it will expand to reach a $25 billion annual market value by 2025. This indicates a substantial increase in demand and investment in desalination technologies and services, likely driven by factors such as growing water scarcity, population growth, and increasing urbanization. It also implies opportunities for stakeholders in the desalination sector, including companies involved in the development and deployment of desalination technologies, policymakers addressing water security challenges, and investors seeking to capitalize on the growth potential of this market. Overall, the statistic underscores the increasing importance of desalination as a solution to global water challenges and highlights the economic significance of the industry in the coming years.

In 2020, the municipal sector held over 44.1 % share in the global desalination market (Markets and Markets)

The statistic stating that the municipal sector held over 44.1% share in the global desalination market in 2020, as reported by Markets and Markets, indicates the significant role that local government entities play in addressing water scarcity challenges worldwide. This suggests that a substantial portion of desalination projects and investments are driven by municipalities aiming to provide clean and safe drinking water to their communities. The high percentage share of the municipal sector also reflects the growing recognition of desalination as a crucial solution to meet the increasing demand for freshwater resources in urban areas, highlighting the importance of public sector involvement in ensuring sustainable water management practices globally.

The thermal desalination process was valued at around $5 billion in 2018, and is expected to increase in the coming years (Global Market Insights)

The statistic provided indicates that the thermal desalination process, a method of producing fresh water from seawater using heat, was estimated to be worth approximately $5 billion in 2018. This suggests a significant market size and demand for this technology due to the increasing need for fresh water globally. The expectation of growth in the coming years implies a positive outlook for the thermal desalination industry, possibly driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and water scarcity concerns. This growth projection may lead to increased investments, advancements in technology, and broader adoption of thermal desalination solutions to address the challenges posed by water scarcity in various regions around the world.

The global desalination pump market size was estimated at USD 653.8 million in 2020 (Fortune Business Insights)

The statistic provided indicates that the global desalination pump market was valued at USD 653.8 million in 2020, as estimated by Fortune Business Insights. This suggests the total revenue generated from the sale of desalination pumps worldwide during that year. Desalination pumps play a crucial role in the desalination process, which involves converting seawater or brackish water into fresh water suitable for various applications. The market size figure is important for industry stakeholders, investors, and policymakers to understand the scale and economic significance of the desalination pump market, which is likely influenced by factors such as water scarcity, population growth, and industrial demand for clean water sources.

References

0. – https://www.www.thebalance.com

1. – https://www.www.who.int

2. – https://www.www.marketsandmarkets.com

3. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

4. – https://www.www.researchandmarkets.com

5. – https://www.www.statista.com

6. – https://www.www.carlsbaddesal.com

7. – https://www.www.usgs.gov

8. – https://www.www.ft.com

9. – https://www.www.worldometers.info

10. – https://www.www.gminsights.com

11. – https://www.idadesal.org

12. – https://www.www.fortunebusinessinsights.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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