Desalination - also referred to as desalting, desalinisation or desalinization - is the process by which salt and other minerals are removed from saltwater and brackish water in order to produce water suitable for human consumption, as well as water for irrigation and industrial purposes. Desalination technologies utilize thermal processes, such as vapor compression distillation, multi-stage flash distillation and multi-effect distillation, as well as membrane processes, including reverse osmosis and microfiltration procedures.

Many factors are driving the desalination market forward, notably an increasing water demand from growing economies and populations, while a handful of market challenges are keeping growth in check - at least within some market segments. In 2010 the desalination market reached $12.47 billion, up nearly 13.4% from 2009. Despite economic troubles, political upheaval and other hurdles within regional desalination markets, SBI Energy projects the desalination market will continue to expand. Within the industry, growth in the reverse osmosis technology market segment is expected to see the most growth, reaching $39.46 billion in 2020

The world's population is expected to reach nearly 8.26 billion by 2030, up from about 6.85 billion in 2010. As the world's population grows, so too does the world's demand for water for domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. At the same time, freshwater supplies around the globe are becoming depleted, while nearly one billion people are already without clean drinking water. Those living in coastal communities and arid regions, as well as others experiencing water troubles, are looking to solve their water scarcity issues - desalination is proving itself to be one increasingly viable solution.

New technologies are emerging that are leading to more environmentally-friendly, cost-effective desalination operations. In the past, high costs of desalination (due mostly to intensive energy use) as well as industry-related environmental concerns have held back growth in the desalination market. While the coast is not yet clear, some of these impediments have recently been at least slightly breached, easing business growth within the desalination market.

The Middle East is the dominant player in the desalination market, and is expected to continue to expand its desalination endeavors. In 2020, the region will likely retain its majority share, although will lose a small slice of its ownership to other countries, which are increasing their desalination capacities or are entering the desalination arena for the first time.

World Desalination Technologies and Components Market contains comprehensive historical data (2006-2010) and forecast data (2011-2020). This report identifies key trends and factors (such as the regulatory scene, new technologies, employment opportunities and economic drivers and challenges), which affect the size and direction of desalination market growth around the world. Profiles of 20 major - or simply interesting - companies involved in the desalination market are also included.

Report Methodology

The information contained in World Desalination Technologies and Components Market has been gathered from trade associations; business, science and law journals; company literature and websites; interviews with more than ten key individuals, research services and institutes around the world; and is based on data from government agencies and other industry sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the International Desalination Association.

How You Will Benefit From This Report

World Desalination Technologies and Components Market details significant trends, technologies and market numbers for a clear overview of the complex desalination market.

This report will help:

• Managers identify market opportunities and develop solid implementation plans for desalination activities.
• Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives, and understand the developments and obstacles within the desalination market.
• Business development executives work within the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships.
• Information and research center librarians access vital information.
• Policy makers and government officials understand the dynamics and scope of the market they are working to affect.
• Advertising agencies working with clients involved in the desalination industry to help design appropriate messages and images.
• Investors and stakeholders gain a well-rounded view of the desalination market, including its strengths, weaknesses and likely future direction.

Additional Information

New York, NY - August 23, 2011 - Depleting water supplies, coupled with increasing water demand, are driving the global market for desalination technology, which is expected to reach $52.4 billion by 2020, up 320.3% from $12.5 billion in 2010. According to a recent report from energy research publisher SBI Energy, membrane technology reverse osmosis will see the largest growth, reaching $39.46 billion by 2020.

The increasing world population, which is estimated to reach 7.52 billion by 2020, up from 6.85 billion in 2010, is depleting a limited fresh water supply with agricultural demands and urbanization leading to more water consumption per person across the globe. According to the report, industrialization is spreading advanced water extraction technology, which is quickly diminishing water resources.

"Economic and population growth are the largest drivers for desalination technology," said Shelly Carr, publisher of SBI Energy. "The explosive growth of this market is due to a solution-based alternative to the diminishing supply of the world's most important resource."

Desalination technology involves extracting salt and other unwanted minerals from saltwater or brackish water in order to produce fresh water. There are two types of technologies: thermal which relies on heat, and membrane which utilizes semi-permeable membranes to separate salt from seawater and brackish water. According to the report, the cost of desalination is highly influenced by the amount of energy consumed, causing energy efficient membrane technologies, specifically reverse osmosis, to be the most viable option.

"The lower operating costs of membrane technologies, which include reverse osmosis, microfiltration, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, make them a more attractive option," notes Carr. "This segment will grow significantly more than its thermal counterpart."

SBI Energy's report, World Desalination Components and Technologies, provides segmented market data for desalination technologies, exhibiting where the growth will occur through 2020. It profiles fifteen major companies, examines major projects and positions of specific countries, and analyzes trends and growth drivers.

Related Reports:

Oil Sands and Heavy Oil Worldwide: Production and Infrastructure Markets
Apr 20, 2012 - SB3866412 - $4,950.00

SBI Bulletin: Thin Film PV Manufacturing Equipment Global Manufacturer Profiles
Apr 11, 2012 - SB3859798 - $495.00

Swimming Pool Equipment and Maintenance Products, 2nd Edition
Apr 1, 2012 - SB3810026 - $4,950.00

SBI Bulletin: Water Treatment Technologies and Products Markets, 2006-2015
Apr 1, 2012 - SB3867591 - $950.00

World Smart Grid, 2nd Edition
Apr 1, 2012 - SB3805145 - $4,950.00

Adhesives and Sealants: Global Markets, 3rd Edition
Apr 1, 2012 - SB3813849 - $4,950.00

World Combined Heat & Power (CHP): Micro, Small and Large-Scale
Apr 1, 2012 - SB3806097 - $4,950.00

SBI Bulletin - EOR Around the World
Apr 1, 2012 - SB3805876 - $995.00

Fuel Efficient Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technologies Worldwide
Feb 1, 2012 - SB6235243 - $4,950.00

Residential Generators, 3rd Edition - U.S. Market and World Data
Jan 1, 2012 - SB6691522 - $4,950.00