Global demand for ultraviolet (UV) disinfection equipment is expected to rise 7.9 per cent annually to $1.5 billion in 2021.

Much of this growth may stem from increased use of UV techniques to replace or augment traditional chemical treatment in both municipal and industrial water treatment applications.

These and other trends are presented in Global Water Disinfection Equipment Market, a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Regional demand

Demand for UV equipment is expected to show healthy growth in almost every region of the world. The U.S. is currently the largest market for UV equipment because of declining chemical use in response to regulations covering disinfection byproduct levels.

UV equipment demand will also be strong in countries with growing manufacturing industries that require ultrapure water, including both developed markets such as the U.S. and nations at various stages in the industrialization process, such as Brazil, China, India and Iran.

Less industrialized markets

In less industrialized markets, UV equipment demand is rising at a strong pace, although generally from a small base. The high cost of UV equipment relative to chemical biocides will serve to keep these markets fairly small.

Overall, worldwide demand for all types of water disinfection equipment is expected to reach $4.4 billion in 2021 on annual gains of 6.2 per cent.

Developed markets

In developed markets such as the U.S. and Western Europe, disinfection equipment is already fairly common in all major markets. However, as users seek to further reduce chemical use and improve water quality in all applications, there will still be room for further gains.

In developing regions, water disinfection equipment faces substantial competition from inexpensive bulk chemicals, but expanding and modernizing water treatment infrastructure and stricter environmental regulations will provide opportunities for growth.