The African zero liquid discharge system market is anticipated to witness year-over-year growth of 5.0% between 2020 and 2021. FMI projects Germany, France, Spain, and South Africa to emerge as key producers in the Africa zero liquid discharge system market during the forecast period.
With the ongoing water crisis, African countries’ demand for ZLD systems for new sources of potable water is increasing. Food and beverage, textiles, electricity generation, mining, oil and gas exploration, and pharmaceutical industries are among the industrial end-users of ZLD systems.
Increased efficiency and a cutting-edge wastewater treatment process that eliminates all liquid discharge from a system are two key factors driving the adoption of ZLD over conventional ETP systems.
Capital expenditure in Africa, both regional and foreign direct investment, is facilitating growth by creating opportunities for business expansion in the market.
Demand for zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems in Africa is projected to grow at 5.4% CAGR between 2021 and 2031, in comparison with 2.3% CAGR registered during 2016-2020. Rising demand for new process facilities, along with overhauling of existing effluent treatment systems will continue augmenting market growth in the forthcoming years.
However, high capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenditure (OPEX) remain significant constraints for ZLD plants, as they typically have higher installation costs than other wastewater treatment processes.
Leading manufacturers are expanding their services by offering complete and pre-packaged ZLD systems, giving them a competitive advantage over other solution providers. As a result, capital expenditure for project installation is reduced.
Furthermore, market participants’ aftersales technical support, customer relationship management, and customized solutions are expected to boost sales of zero liquid discharge systems in Africa.
For the treatment of high salinity brines, novel technologies such as forward osmosis (FO) membranes and electro-separation systems in ZLD systems have been introduced in recent years. Forward osmosis membrane technology’s low operating pressure and high cross-flow velocity improve dissolved solids separation in high fouling streams.
The leading companies operating in the market are:
- Veolia
- SUEZ
- GEA Group
- ANDRITZ AG
- Thermax Global Limited
- IDE Technologies
- Alfa Laval AB
- Multotec Group
- Condorchem Envitech
- Cannon S.p.A.
- Ion Exchange India Limited
