Population pressure and a severe drought, since 2002, has constrained Australia to husband its existing water supplies. This demand for water will only increase with continued economic growth. Therefore, the country is heavily reliant on water treatment equipment, such as the advanced membrane bioreactor, to alleviate its water scarcity.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Water and Wastewater Treatment Markets in Australia – Market Outlook and Growth Opportunities, finds that the market is expected to earn revenues of $1.12 billion by 2015.
“The markets for municipal water and wastewater treatment in Australia have experienced significant technology trends based on improved solution reliability, greater treatment efficiency, and ability to meet regulatory requirements,” says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Swathy Rajasekaran. “Replacing older conventional clarifier systems with modern systems have become increasingly attractive, although it is slightly more expensive.”
As the water and wastewater treatment market is at the maturity phase, opportunities will have to be created through upgrades, improvements, and retrofits in existing plants, with more advanced technologies and competitively priced products.
Prices will be a significant purchase factor considering the economic downturn has tightened the purse strings of consumers and narrowed manufacturers’ profit margins. However, the market will gain some respite from these conditions due to long-term commitments from both local and international participants, creating a very competitive scenario in Australia.
“Participants will be pleased by the significant investments toward the refurbishment of aged water and wastewater treatment plants,” adds fellow Consultant Melvin Leong. “Furthermore, regulatory requirements are demanding technological advancements, giving a boost to market development.”
Even so, some companies may not have the financial or technical capability to meet such regulatory demands, given the current economic scenario. The market is likely to dip in the latter half of 2009 to early 2010, but as the Australian economy is more resilient than its western counterparts, it is expected to rebound.
“When companies are not able to capitalize on opportunities, strategic changes need to be brought about to enable equipment suppliers to partner with key water users and thus, enhance sales,” observes Leong. “The abundant availability of semi-skilled labor in this labor-intensive market will further promote its development.”
Water and Wastewater Treatment Markets in Australia – Market Outlook and Growth Opportunities is part of the Environmental Growth Partnership Service program, which also includes research in the following markets: bottled water markets in Vietnam, water and wastewater market in Thailand, Indonesian building construction market, and South Korean building construction market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
Mayur
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