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    Desalination System Market

    ID: MRFR/IA - E/21746-HCR
    111 Pages
    Tejas Chaudhary
    October 2025

    Desalination System Market Research Report By Source of Water (Seawater, Brackish Water), By Type of Technology (Reverse Osmosis, Multi-Stage Flash, Electrodialysis, Multi-Effect Distillation), By Application (Municipalities, Industries, Agriculture, Remote Communities), By Flow Rate (Small (Below 10,000 m3/day), Medium (10,000-100,000 m3/day), Large (Above 100,000 m3/day) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast to 2035

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    Desalination System Market Summary

    The global desalination system market is projected to grow from 26.01 USD billion in 2024 to 58.58 USD billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Desalination System Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.66 percent from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 58.6 USD billion, indicating robust growth potential.
    • in 2024, the market is valued at 26.01 USD billion, reflecting the increasing demand for freshwater resources.
    • Growing adoption of desalination technology due to rising water scarcity is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 26.01 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 58.58 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 7.66%

    Major Players

    Veolia, IDE Technologies, Acciona, Toray Industries, Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, Samsung Heavy Industries, Abengoa, Tecnicas Reunidas, Hitachi, Fisia Italimpianti, Hyundai Heavy Industries, GE Water Process Technologies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Suez

    Desalination System Market Trends

     

    The increasing scarcity of freshwater resources globally necessitates the adoption of innovative desalination technologies to ensure sustainable water supply for future generations.

    U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

    Desalination System Market Drivers

    Increasing Water Scarcity

    The Global Desalination System Market Industry is experiencing growth driven by escalating water scarcity issues worldwide. Regions such as the Middle East and North Africa face severe freshwater shortages, prompting governments to invest in desalination technologies. For instance, Saudi Arabia's National Water Company has initiated projects to enhance desalination capacity, reflecting a broader trend. As of 2024, the market is valued at 26.0 USD Billion, indicating a robust response to urgent water needs. This trend is expected to continue, with projections suggesting that by 2035, the market could reach 58.6 USD Billion, showcasing the critical role of desalination in addressing global water demands.

    Market Growth Projections

    The Global Desalination System Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. With a market value of 26.0 USD Billion in 2024, it is anticipated to reach 58.6 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory suggests a compound annual growth rate of 7.66% from 2025 to 2035, indicating a robust demand for desalination technologies. Factors contributing to this growth include increasing water scarcity, technological advancements, and supportive government policies. As the global population continues to rise and urban areas expand, the need for innovative water solutions, such as desalination, is likely to become even more pronounced.

    Technological Advancements

    Technological innovations are significantly shaping the Global Desalination System Market Industry. Advances in reverse osmosis and energy recovery systems have improved efficiency and reduced operational costs. For example, the introduction of low-energy desalination technologies has made it feasible for countries with limited budgets to invest in such systems. These advancements not only enhance the sustainability of desalination processes but also contribute to the overall market growth. As the industry evolves, it appears that the integration of smart technologies and automation will further streamline operations, potentially increasing the market's attractiveness to investors and stakeholders.

    Rising Population and Urbanization

    The Global Desalination System Market Industry is also influenced by rising population levels and urbanization trends. As urban areas expand, the demand for freshwater resources intensifies, necessitating alternative water supply solutions. For instance, cities in coastal regions are increasingly turning to desalination as a reliable source of potable water. This shift is particularly evident in regions like California, where urban growth has outpaced traditional water supply methods. The increasing reliance on desalination systems is expected to drive market growth, as urban planners and policymakers seek sustainable solutions to meet the needs of growing populations.

    Government Initiatives and Investments

    Government initiatives play a pivotal role in the expansion of the Global Desalination System Market Industry. Many countries are prioritizing water security, leading to substantial investments in desalination infrastructure. For instance, the United States has allocated funding for innovative desalination projects aimed at enhancing water supply resilience. Such governmental support is crucial, as it not only facilitates the development of new technologies but also encourages public-private partnerships. This trend is likely to accelerate market growth, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 7.66% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the increasing recognition of desalination as a viable solution to water scarcity.

    Environmental Concerns and Sustainability

    Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly significant in the Global Desalination System Market Industry. As awareness of climate change and water pollution rises, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable water management practices. Desalination technologies are being developed with a focus on minimizing environmental impacts, such as reducing brine discharge and energy consumption. For example, some new plants are utilizing renewable energy sources to power operations, aligning with global sustainability goals. This shift towards environmentally friendly practices is likely to enhance the market's appeal to both investors and consumers, fostering further growth in the coming years.

    Market Segment Insights

    Desalination System Market Source of Water Insights

    The Desalination System Market is segmented based on the source of water into seawater and brackish water. The seawater segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to continue to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. The growth of the seawater segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for desalination systems in coastal areas, where seawater is readily available. The brackish water segment is also expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for desalination systems in inland areas, where brackish water is more prevalent. 

    In 2023, the Desalination System Market revenue for seawater was estimated at USD 15.6 billion and is projected to reach USD 28.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. The growth of the seawater segment is driven by the increasing demand for desalination systems in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, which are facing water scarcity issues. The brackish water segment is also expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for desalination systems in inland areas, where brackish water is more prevalent. 

    In 2023, the Desalination System Market revenue for brackish water was estimated at USD 6.8 billion and is projected to reach USD 15.2 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. The growth of the Desalination System Market is being driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for water in arid and semi-arid regions, the growing population, and the increasing urbanization. Desalination systems are becoming increasingly cost-effective, making them a more viable option for water supply in many regions.

    The market is also being driven by the increasing awareness of the environmental benefits of desalination, as it can help to reduce the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Desalination System Market Type of Technology Insights

    The Desalination System Market is segmented based on Type of Technology into Reverse Osmosis, Multi-Stage Flash, Electrodialysis, and Multi-Effect Distillation. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the most widely used technology in the desalination industry, accounting for over 60% of the market in 2023. RO is a pressure-driven membrane technology that removes salts and other impurities from water by forcing them through a semi-permeable membrane. RO systems are relatively low-cost to operate and maintain, making them a cost-effective solution for large-scale desalination projects. 

    Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) is the second most common desalination technology, accounting for around 20% of the market in 2023. MSF is a thermal desalination technology that uses heat to evaporate seawater and then condense the vapor into fresh water. MSF systems are more energy-intensive than RO systems, but they can produce water with a lower salinity. Electrodialysis (ED) is a membrane-based desalination technology that uses electrical current to remove salts from water. 

    ED systems are typically used for small-scale desalination applications, such as desalination of brackish water. Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) is a thermal desalination technology that uses multiple effects of evaporation and condensation to produce fresh water from seawater. MED systems are more efficient than MSF systems, but they are also more expensive to build and operate.

    Desalination System Market Application Insights

    The Desalination System Market segmentation by Application includes Municipalities, Industries, Agriculture, and Remote Communities. 

    Among these, the Municipalities segment held the largest share in the Desalination System Market in 2023, and it is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. The increasing demand for clean and safe drinking water in urban areas, coupled with the growing population and urbanization, is driving the growth of the Municipalities segment. Moreover, the rising investments in infrastructure development, such as water treatment plants, are further contributing to the growth of this segment. 

    The Industries segment is also expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the increasing demand for water in various industries, such as power generation, manufacturing, and mining. The Agriculture segment is also expected to experience growth due to the rising need for irrigation water in arid and semi-arid regions. The remote Communities segment is expected to grow at a steady pace, as desalination systems provide a reliable source of clean water to remote areas that lack access to traditional water sources.

    Desalination System Market Flow Rate Insights

    The Desalination System Market is segmented based on flow rate into small (below 10,000 m3/day), medium (10,000-100,000 m3/day), and large (above 100,000 m3/day). The medium flow rate segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market in 2023, accounting for over 40% of the total revenue. This is due to the increasing demand for desalination systems with capacities between 10,000 and 100,000 m3/day from industrial and municipal sectors. 

    The large flow rate segment is also expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to the rising need for large-scale desalination plants to meet the growing water demand in arid and semi-arid regions. The small flow rate segment is expected to have a moderate growth rate, as it caters to niche applications such as remote communities and offshore platforms.

    Get more detailed insights about Desalination System Market

    Regional Insights

    Regionally, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. North America holds a significant market share due to rising water scarcity and government initiatives to promote desalination technologies. The region is home to major desalination plants in California and Texas. Europe is another key market, driven by increasing water consumption and stringent environmental regulations. 

    APAC is expected to witness substantial growth due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to increased water demand. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is projected to experience significant growth, driven by water scarcity and government investments in desalination infrastructure. South America is expected to have a modest growth rate due to limited access to desalination technologies and relatively abundant water resources.

    Desalination System Market Regional 

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    The Desalination System Market is characterized by a competitive landscape involving a diverse range of established players and emerging entrants. Major players in the industry include Veolia, IDE Technologies, Acciona, Toray Industries, and Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction. These companies possess significant market share and offer a comprehensive portfolio of desalination solutions. 

    The industry is also witnessing the emergence of innovative startups offering advanced technologies and niche solutions. Veolia, a leader in water and waste management, holds a substantial market share in the Desalination System Market. The company boasts a wide range of desalination technologies, including reverse osmosis, electrodialysis reversal, and forward osmosis. Veolia's commitment to research and development has led to the introduction of innovative solutions that reduce energy consumption and enhance water quality. With a strong presence and a portfolio of successful desalination projects, Veolia continues to be a formidable competitor in the industry.

    IDE Technologies, an Israeli technology company, specializes in the development and deployment of desalination systems. The company's expertise lies in reverse osmosis technology, and it has played a significant role in advancing the industry with its innovative membrane technologies. IDE Technologies has a footprint and a track record of successfully executing large-scale desalination projects. The company's ability to provide customized solutions and its focus on sustainability has made it a key player in the Desalination System Market.

    Key Companies in the Desalination System Market market include

    Industry Developments

    The Desalination System Market is projected to reach USD 54.41 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.66% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is attributed to increasing water scarcity, rising population, and growing industrial demand. Recent developments include the launch of advanced desalination technologies such as reverse osmosis and electrodialysis reversal, which offer higher efficiency and lower energy consumption. 

    Governments worldwide are investing in desalination projects to ensure water security, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The Middle East and North Africa region is a major market for desalination, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates leading the way. Technological advancements and government initiatives are expected to drive the growth of the desalination market in the coming years.

    Future Outlook

    Desalination System Market Future Outlook

    The Global Desalination System Market is projected to grow at a 7.66% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by increasing water scarcity, technological advancements, and rising demand for sustainable solutions.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in advanced membrane technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
    • Develop hybrid desalination systems integrating renewable energy sources for sustainable operations.
    • Expand into emerging markets with tailored desalination solutions addressing local water challenges.

    By 2035, the desalination market is expected to be robust, addressing global water needs effectively.

    Market Segmentation

    Desalination System Market Regional Outlook

    • North America
    • Europe
    • South America
    • Asia Pacific
    • Middle East and Africa

    Desalination System Market Flow Rate Outlook

    • Small (Below 10,000 m3/day)
    • Medium (10,000-100,000 m3/day)
    • Large (Above 100,000 m3/day

    Desalination System Market Application Outlook

    • Municipalities
    • Industries
    • Agriculture
    • Remote Communities

    Desalination System Market Source of Water Outlook

    • Seawater
    • Brackish Water

    Desalination System Market Type of Technology Outlook

    • Reverse Osmosis
    • Multi-Stage Flash
    • Electrodialysis
    • Multi-Effect Distillation

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details 
    Market Size 2024 26.01 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2025 28.00 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 58.58 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 7.66% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2020 - 2024
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Key Companies Profiled Toray Industries, Acciona Agua, Samsung Heavy Industries, Veolia Water Technologies, Posco Engineering Construction, Abengoa, Tecnicas Reunidas, Hitachi, Fisia Italimpianti, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Doosan Heavy Industries Construction, GE Water Process Technologies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, IDE Technologies, Suez
    Segments Covered Source of Water, Type of Technology, Application, Flow Rate, Regional
    Key Market Opportunities 1 Growing demand for potable water in water-scarce regions2 Technological advancements in desalination reduce costs and improve efficiency3 Increasing adoption of desalination in industrial and agricultural sectors4 Government support and investments in desalination infrastructure5 Partnerships and collaborations for desalination projects
    Key Market Dynamics Rising water scarcityIncreasing population growthGovernment initiatives and investmentsTechnological advancementsGrowing demand for water-intensive industries
    Countries Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA

    FAQs

    What is the expected market size of the Desalination System Market in 2024?

    The Desalination System Market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 26.01 billion in 2024.

    What is the projected CAGR of the Desalination System Market from 2025 to 2034?

    The Desalination System Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.66% from 2025 to 2034.

    What are the key regions contributing to the growth of the Desalination System Market?

    The key regions contributing to the growth of the Desalination System Market include the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa.

    What are the major applications of desalination systems?

    Major applications of desalination systems include providing drinking water, industrial water, and agricultural water.

    Who are the key competitors in the Desalination System Market?

    Key competitors in the Desalination System Market include Veolia, Suez, GE Water Process Technologies, and Acciona Agua.

    What are the challenges faced by the Desalination System Market?

    Challenges faced by the Desalination System Market include high energy consumption, environmental concerns, and membrane fouling.

    What are the growth opportunities for the Desalination System Market?

    Growth opportunities for the Desalination System Market include increasing water scarcity, technological advancements, and government support.

    What is the expected market size of the Desalination System Market in 2034?

    The Desalination System Market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 54.41 billion in 2034.

    What are the key trends shaping the Desalination System Market?

    Key trends shaping the Desalination System Market include the adoption of renewable energy sources, the development of advanced membranes, and the increasing use of desalination systems in remote areas.

    What are the regulatory factors influencing the Desalination System Market?

    Regulatory factors influencing the Desalination System Market include environmental regulations, water quality standards, and energy efficiency requirements.

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