South African Air Pollution Control Market

Climate Change Concerns Underpinning Development of Air Pollution Control Market in South Africa

The South African air pollution control market is going through a dynamic phase of change as the impact of new legislation starts having an impact on the market. Despite the current economic hardships faced by emission generating industries, the market is projected to continue growing. "The recent tightening of legislation by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) has been a major driver behind growth in this market," notes the analyst of this research. "The Air Quality Act, which was promulgated into law in 2005, addresses all the short-comings that existed during the previous Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act."

The new Air Quality Act focuses on ambient control rather than emissions control. This approach aims at securing an environment that is not harmful to the health and well-being of people. As a result, the act presents new challenges to industries as it imposes far stricter regulations and heftier penalties for non-compliant companies than ever before.

Non-compliance Still Presents a Major Challenge to Market Expansion

Currently, non-compliance by emission generators is still a major obstacle for the development of this market. "Previously, most emission generators considered emissions control as a 'nice-to-have' technology rather than an essential requirement," explains the analyst. "As such, fume abatement technology is viewed as a grudge purchase, a capital cost not adding to the bottom line." Despite numerous challenges present as a result of non-compliance by some industrial segments, the market still presents numerous opportunities for growth. The energy and power sector, being the largest emissions generator, is currently undertaking an expansion initiative.

Eskom Holdings Limited has embarked on an expansion drive to increase generation capacity and ensure reliable supply of electricity to the country. Expansion in operations is likely to be accompanied by increased green house gas (GHG) emissions. To capitalise on growth opportunities, equipment suppliers will need to provide low-cost but reliable technology types to this market. "Both the power generation and petrochemical industries are expected to generate large volumes of emissions as they embark on their expansion drive," comments the analyst. "The strict enforcement of legislation guarantees the need for responsible and holistic air pollution control mechanisms by these industries."

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Energy and power
• Chemicals and petrochemicals
• Steel and metals
• Pulp and paper
• Cement and brick manufacturing

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Fabric filters
• Electrostatic precipitators
• Scrubbing equipment
• Flue gas desulphurization
• Dust suppression