Wet Scrubbers Market Size - By Product Type (Packed Bed Scrubber, Venturi Scrubber, Spray Scrubber), By Application (Particulate Cleaning and Gaseous/Chemical Cleaning), By End Use & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Wet Scrubbers Market Size

Wet Scrubbers Market was valued at USD 12 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand at 4.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Wet scrubbers are mechanisms designed to extract contaminants from a gas flow. The objective of absorption and wet scrubbing apparatus is to eliminate gases and particulate matter from an exhaust flow by inducing the gas pollutants to dissolve into the liquid stream and the solid particles to be carried along in the liquid. With rapid industrialization in emerging economies, there's an increasing need for pollution control equipment.
 

Customers are increasingly demanding tailored solutions to address specific pollution control challenges. Manufacturers are responding by offering customized wet scrubber systems designed to meet the unique requirements of different industries and applications. The wet scrubber’s market is witnessing robust growth in developing regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development. Government initiatives to improve air quality and mitigate environmental pollution further contribute to market expansion in these regions.
 

The installation of wet scrubbers requires a significant initial investment in terms of equipment, installation, and maintenance. This can act as a deterrent for some industries, especially those operating on tight budgets. Alongside initial investment, ongoing operational costs such as energy consumption, water usage, and maintenance can also be substantial. Industries may hesitate to adopt wet scrubbers if they perceive these costs to outweigh the benefits.
 

Additionally, some industrial facilities may have limited space available for the installation of wet scrubbers, especially in retrofit scenarios. Space constraints can hinder the adoption of wet scrubbers, particularly in densely populated or urban areas. Wet scrubbers require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulations. Industries may be deterred by the ongoing maintenance requirements, especially if they lack the necessary expertise or resources.
 

Wet Scrubbers Market Trends

The increasing awareness of the harmful effects of air pollution on public health has led to greater demand for technologies that can reduce emissions. Wet scrubbers offer effective removal of pollutants like particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds, thereby contributing to cleaner air and better public health. The wet scrubbers market is poised for continued growth, propelled by regulatory compliance requirements, technological innovations, and increasing environmental consciousness among industries and consumers. As sustainability becomes increasingly integral to business operations, the demand for efficient and environmentally friendly pollution control solutions like wet scrubbers is expected to rise steadily.
 

Governments worldwide are enforcing strict regulations to limit emissions of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This has led to a significant demand for wet scrubbers, particularly in industries with high emissions. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of wet scrubber systems. Advancements in materials science, automation, and control systems are leading to the development of more sophisticated and high-performance scrubbing technologies.
 

Wet Scrubbers Market Analysis

Based on product type, the packed bed scrubber segment dominates exceeded USD 5.1 billion in 2023. Packaged bed scrubbers are often more efficient in removing both particulate matter and gas pollutants compared to venturi scrubbers and spray scrubbers. This efficiency is particularly notable for certain contaminants like fine particulates and soluble gases.
 

Based on application, the gaseous/chemical cleaning segment accounted for a market share around 65% in 2023.  Wet scrubbers can achieve high removal efficiencies for a wide range of gaseous pollutants. They can remove acidic gases, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and hydrogen chloride (HCl), as well as alkaline gases like ammonia (NH3), through absorption or chemical reaction with the scrubbing liquid., which are expected to propel segment growth. In addition, wet scrubbers can be designed to handle various types of gaseous pollutants simultaneously. This versatility makes them suitable for applications where multiple pollutants need to be controlled. Wet scrubbers typically have simpler designs compared to some other pollution control devices, making them easier to maintain and operate.
 

Based on end use industry, the power generation segment led the market with a share around 25% in 2023. Power plants being the primary emitters of sulfur dioxide, acid gases, and mercury. With a reliance on fossil fuels and escalating energy needs, the power generation segment is anticipated to witness growth, thereby positively influencing the wet scrubber industry throughout the forecast period. Additionally, power plants, especially those burning coal or oil, produce sulfur dioxide (SO2) as a byproduct of combustion. Wet scrubbers are highly effective at removing SO2 from flue gases by utilizing an alkaline scrubbing solution, such as limestone slurry, to react with and neutralize the acidic SO2, producing a less harmful byproduct that can be safely disposed of or reused.
 

Asia Pacific wet scrubbers market size surpassed USD 4.3 billion in 2023. This leading position is attributed to the increasing interest in wet scrubbers with the rising electrification and urbanization in the region. This region will command a significant share of the global market, propelled by rapid urbanization and economic growth. As urbanization gains momentum, a growing number of individuals are migrating to cities, elevating living standards, and presenting lucrative opportunities for the expansion of wet scrubbers. The rise in disposable income further contributes to this regional market trend.
 

Wet Scrubbers Market Share

In 2023, dominant market players, including Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc., Alfa Laval, CECO, DuPont, Evoqua collectively held a substantial 15-20% market share. The market is moderate. These industry leaders are actively engaged in strategic initiatives such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions, and partnerships to broaden their product portfolios, reach a wider customer base, and strengthen their market presence. These companies continuously invest in research & development to improve their electronic products and incorporate new technologies, allowing them to stay ahead of the competition.
 

Wet Scrubbers Market Companies

Major players operating in the wet scrubbers industry include:

• Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.
• Alfa Laval
• CECO
• DuPont
• Evoqua
• Fuji Electric
• GEA
• Wartsila
• Hamon Research-Cottrell
• HZI
• KCH
• Nederman Mikropul
• Tri-Mer
• Verantis
• Yara Marine
   

Wet Scrubbers Industry News

• In March 2022, Alfa Laval made a contract with Evergreen Marine Corporation to provide Pure Sox scrubber for Ace Ever (Ship). To clean the engine’s exhaust gas, the Ever-Ace needs two Pure Sox scrubbers on board- one for the main e engine and one for the auxiliaries.
   
• In May 2020, Valmet signed a contract with Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Shimonoseki Shipyard to deliver hybrid scrubber systems and water treatment units to two ferries. Each vessel will be equipped with two identical Valmet Marine Scrubber towers for each main engine and a water treatment unit as well as Valmet’s marine automation system.
   
• In 2019, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) considered the use of exhaust gas scrubbers to reduce sulfur emissions in ship vessels, thus ensuring compliance with MARPOL Annex VI, which regulates the emission of main air pollutants, such as NOx and Sox, contained in ships. This is expected to lead to an increased demand for close loop or hybrid wet scrubbers in the marine industry.
   

This wet scrubbers market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Million Units) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Packed Bed Scrubber
• Venturi Scrubber
• Spray Scrubber
• Others (impingement wet scrubbers, etc.)

Market, By Application

• Particulate Cleaning
• Gaseous/Chemical Cleaning

Market, By End Use Industry

• Chemical
• Power Generation
• Cement
• Refinery and Petrochemicals
• Pulp & Paper
• Others (semiconductor, mining, etc.,)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Rest of North America
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Malaysia     
  • Indonesia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA