For further information on the Renewable Energy Equipment Industry in Australia, please contact Commercial Specialist John Kanawati, U.S. Commercial Service Sydney on Tel: (+61-2) 9373-9207, Fax: (+61-2) 9221-0573, Email: John.Kanawati@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov

Overview

Australia spends an estimated USD4.2 billion annually on its water and wastewater treatment sector. Water collection and distribution account for 70 percent of this spending, while product quality and water treatment account for the remaining 30 percent. The effects of the current world economic crisis on this sector are likely to have a greater impact on industrial wastewater and recycling projects than on urban and regional projects. We expect the rate of growth to decline from three percent in 2008 to 2.5 percent over the next two years.    

A severe drought, which began in 2002, has had a significant impact on the Australian water and wastewater sector. Water storage levels remain critically low in many cities and regional areas. Federal and state governments are pursuing strategies and projects aimed at securing future water supply. 

Local firms manufacture the majority of pipes, fittings, and small-scale sewage treatment process equipment. Many local firms also manufacture under licensing agreements with foreign firms. Imports supply approximately 60 percent of the market. France and Germany are the main suppliers, followed by the United States.

Australia's industries source water from the same catchment areas used to supply households. These sectors are now developing small water recycling projects. Industries will find it more feasible to treat their own wastewater for re-use as the value of water increases. New housing developments are incorporating third-pipe reticulation systems to recycle water.

Water authorities continue to spend significantly in: pipelines, storage, cleanup projects, pump stations, and treatment plants. Water authorities servicing key cities have commenced construction on major seawater desalination plants. Utility companies are planning more large-scale desalination plants.

Best Products/Services

Areas in which we see potential growth include: desalination technology, bio-filtration systems, flow-meters for wastewater measurement, presses for conversion of water or sludge waste, and filtration equipment for industrial waste applications. There is also a demand for innovative equipment, such as new oxidation systems for the removal of chemicals from industrial wastewater and smart metering systems for remote and peak/off-peak measurement.

Companies have also shown interest in trenchless and non-destructive technologies. The practical and socioeconomic benefits of these technologies will lead to further market growth. 

Opportunities

Please contact John Kanawati for a listing of water resources equipment/services opportunities.

Trade Events

Ozwater09 Conference and Exhibition
Date: March 16 – 18, 2009
Location: Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
http://www.ozwater09.com.au

3^rd Annual NSW WIOA Water Industry Engineers and Operators Conference
Date: March 31 – April 2, 2009
Location: Tamworth, NSW
http://www.wioa.org.au

Irrigation Australia 2009
Date: October 18 -20, 2009
Location: Swan Hill, Victoria
http://www.irrigation.org.au