Solar Water Desalination Plant Market Size - By Technology (Solar Photovoltaic Desalination, Solar Thermal Desalination), By Cooling Capacity (Small scale (below 1,000 cubic meters per day), Medium scale, By End Use & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Solar Water Desalination Plant Market Size

Solar Water Desalination Plant Market was valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.5% between 2024 and 2032, propelled by the combination of rising demand of freshwater due to rising global water scarcity. The growing demand for clean water in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and textiles all depend on a constant supply of freshwater. Solar desalination offers a way to meet this demand in water-scarce regions.
 

The technological advancements in solar water desalination plants helps in growth of demand which are cost effective and more efficient. Technological advancements such as, improved membranes, easy construction designs and usage of less components has further increased their usage. Moreover, increasing focus on water conservation and sustainability has motivated consumers to adopt solar water desalination plants, as these devices often include features that encourage efficient water use, helping to conserve a vital resource while being cost effective.
 

Solar water desalination plants require high initial capital costs including the cost of solar panels, desalination equipment, and infrastructure development in comparison to other conventional water treatment options. According to International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the capital cost of solar desalination plants can range from USD 1,000 - 5,000 for per cubic meter of water produced, depending on factors such as plant capacity, technology used, and site-specific conditions. These high upfront costs can pose a significant challenge to investment and limit the scalability of solar desalination projects.
 

Solar Water Desalination Plant Market Trends

There is an increasing trend of adopting advanced membrane technologies for solar water desalination plants such as reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF), to enhance water treatment efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Membrane-based desalination technologies offer several advantages over traditional thermal desalination methods, including lower energy requirements, higher water recovery rates, and reduced environmental impact. Nanofiltration (NF) offer higher salt rejection rates and require less energy to operate compared to traditional reverse osmosis membranes. This results in low operating costs for solar desalination plants.
 

Solar Water Desalination Plant Market Analysis

Based on technology type, the solar thermal desalination segment was worth over USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 2 billion by 2032. As solar thermal desalination plants use solar energy to generate heat and evaporate seawater and produce fresh water through distillation or other thermal processes. As compared to Photovoltaic desalination (PV), they often require less energy and hence are energy efficient. According to a study published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, solar thermal desalination systems can achieve energy conversion efficiencies ranging from 30% to 50%, depending on the technology used and operating conditions.

Based on capacity, the medium segment dominated the market in 2023, capturing a substantial market share of 41.2%. This segment is anticipated to maintain its lead, projected to reach a valuation of USD 969.9 million by 2032. Medium-sized solar water desalination plants provide the flexibility and adaptability needed to meet the various operational needs and water requirements of end customers and communities. These plants can be modified to handle different salinity levels, water quality, and production capacity, enabling specialized solutions that are suitable for the constraints and conditions of the local area.

According to the journal Desalination, medium-scale desalination plants are increasingly being integrated with existing water infrastructure or industrial facilities to augment water supplies and enhance water security. Several successful medium-scale solar desalination projects are being implemented globally. For example, in the Maldives, a 5,000 cubic meter per day solar desalination plant is providing clean water to multiple islands.
 

Based on end use, the municipal segment held approximately 52.02% share of the solar water desalination plant market in 2023 and is anticipated to cross a valuation of USD 1.3 billion by 2032. Due to factors such as population expansion, climate change, and overexploitation of freshwater resources, many urban areas are dealing with water scarcity which stresses their current water sources. According to the World Resources Institute, more than 25% of the world's population lives in areas experiencing high water stress, with urban areas particularly vulnerable to water scarcity. Solar water desalination plants provide municipalities with an alternative water source by harnessing solar energy to produce freshwater from seawater, thereby reducing dependency on limited freshwater supplies and easing pressure on strained water resources.

The North America region dominated about 31.2% share of the solar water desalination plant market in 2023 and is predicted to hit USD 1.4 billion by 2032. North America's population growth and urbanization are contributing to a rising demand for freshwater resources in a number of industries, including commercial, industrial, municipal, and agricultural sectors. According to the United Nations, North America is one of the most urbanized regions globally, with approximately 82% of its population living in urban areas. This urban population growth, coupled with rising standards of living and economic development, is fueling demand for reliable and sustainable water supply solutions.
 

Country Level Analysis

In terms of country, US is dominating the North America solar water desalination plant market with revenue of around USD 825.1 million in the year 2023 and expected to reach around USD 1.4 billion by 2032. Water scarcity challenges are emerging in certain areas of North America, particularly the southwestern US and parts of Mexico. This creates a demand for desalination, potentially leading to increased demand for desalination plant components and materials.
 

Furthermore, there could be an increase in smaller, modular desalination facilities for off-grid or distant community applications in the U.S. market. Packaging options that are appropriate for moving and safeguarding these modular units would be preferred by this trend.
 

Europe solar water desalination plant market is growing at fast growth rate of around 27.1% Many regions in Europe are facing water stress and the impacts of climate change. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), water scarcity and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in several European countries. Solar water desalination plants offer a sustainable solution to minimize effect of water scarcity.
 

In terms of country U.K. dominated with the overall market share of around 31.6% in the European market. The U.K. government has committed to transitioning to renewable energy sources and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.The Solar water desalination plant utilize solar energy which will align with the government initiatives.
 

According to the United Nations, Asia is home to more than half of the world's population, and its urban population is projected to continue growing significantly in the coming decades. Asia Pacific has a record of rapid population and industrialization growth. Therefore, the demand of freshwater is growing as well, therefore, the need for alternative for freshwater is also growing. Hence, the solar water desalination plant have the potential to flourish in Asia Pacific region.
 

In terms of country China dominated with the overall market share of around 23.03% in the Asia Pacific market. According to the Ministry of Water Resources of China, the country's per capita water resources are only about 25% of the world average, and many regions suffer from water shortages. China faces severe water scarcity and stress on freshwater resources due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrial development as well. Solar water desalination plants can offer a sustainable solution to supplement freshwater supplies by utilizing seawater resources found along China's coastline.
 

Solar Water Desalination Plant Market Share

The key players operating in the market are ACCIONA, Desolenator, Elemental Water Makers B.V, Aquatech, and IDE. all together comprises a market share of 10-20% in 2023. The market is moderately fragmented, showing signs of consolidation. It's a dynamic market with a mix of established players and new entrants, but with a tendency for some larger companies to hold a strong position.
 

Solar Water Desalination Plant Market Companies

Major players operating in the solar water desalination plant industry include:

• SolarSpring GmbH
• Aqua Green Engineering Co.
• Solar Water Solutions Inc.
• SolAqua Inc.
• SunDesal Systems Ltd.
• PureSun Desalination LLC
• SolarDrops Technologies Ltd.
• AquaSun Innovations Pty Ltd.
• SolarClear Water Solutions Ltd.
• SunDrop Desalination Systems Inc.
• SolarStream Desalination LLC
• AquaSolar Solutions Ltd.
• SunPure Water Technologies Inc.
• SolWaves Desalination Ltd.
• SolarAqua Desalination Systems Inc.
• ACCIONA
• Desolenator
• Elemental Water Makers B.V
• Aquatech
• IDE
   

Solar Water Desalination Plant Market News

• In November 2023, Veolia inaugurates the largest solar power plant on a desalination plant in the Middle East. This initiative is part of the Group's ongoing drive to decarbonize its activities and support its customers in their carbon neutrality objectives. The 17 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar project is the first of its kind in the Middle East.
   
• In October 2023, German company Boreal Light the installed Europe’s largest solar water desalination system. The 460 kWp system in Mykolaiv, southern Ukraine, can produce 125 cubic meters of clean water per hour
   
• In September 2023, The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) has launched a tender for the construction of five concentrated solar power (CSP) plants to power water desalination plants on the north coast.
   

This solar water desalination plant market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) and volume (Thousand units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, by Technology Type

• Solar Photovoltaic Desalination
• Solar Thermal Desalination

Market, by Cooling Capacity

• Small scale (below 1,000 cubic meters per day)
• Medium scale (between 1,000-10,000 cubic meters per day)
• Large scale (above 10,000 cubic meters per day

Market, by End Use

• Agricultural
• Industrial
• Municipal
• Commercial

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • 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
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA