The Fly Ash market size was valued at US$5.482 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.93% over the predictive period to reach US$8.204 billion by 2027.

Fly ash is a byproduct of pulverized coal combustion in power plants. Mineral impurities in coal (clay, feldspar, quartz, and shale) fuse in suspension during burning and float off with the exhaust gases. The fused material cools and hardens as it rises, forming spherical glassy particles known as fly ash. Electrostatic precipitators or bag filters are used to recover fly ash from exhaust fumes.

Types of Fly Ash

Class F: Particles coated in molten glass are found in Class F fly ash. Sulfate attack, which can develop in fertilized soils or near coastal regions, is considerably reduced as a result of this. Class F is low in calcium and has a carbon level of less than 5%. Class F fly ash is utilized at 15 to 25% by mass of cementitious material doses.

Class C: Class C fly ash is also chemically resistant to expansion. It contains more calcium oxide than Class F and is thus more typically utilized in structural concrete. Class C fly ash is generally made up of high-calcium fly ashes with less than 2% carbon content. Class C fly ash is applied at concentrations ranging from 15 to 40% by mass of cementitious material.

Application in the Construction Industry

The growing construction industry has seen significant developments and advancements in recent times. In certain markets, fly ash may be a cost-effective alternative for Portland cement. Since it is a byproduct and has a low embodied energy (the amount of energy consumed in making and delivering a construction material), fly ash is also considered an environmentally beneficial resource. Portland cement, on the other hand, has a very high embodied energy since it is made with a lot of heat. Fly ash uses less water than Portland cement and is better to work in cold weather. Fly ash is also a non-shrink material and produces a smooth surface with accurate detail. Additionally, it is also a great material to work with since it has a much lesser chance of developing cracks or defects on the surface.

Additionally, fly ash has been known to be used in concrete paving, blended cement, mineral filler for asphalt roads, soil stabilizer, water stabilizer/treatment, etc. Many countries have already started implementing fly ash as an additive in concrete, to strengthen the properties of concrete, at the same time reduce the environmental damage caused by fly ash disposal.

Environmental Concerns of Fly Ash

Developing countries that do not have access to environmentally friendly fuel alternatives use more coal than other developed countries. Most big industries in India use coal as a fuel for production and industrial use. Hence, India currently leads the fly ash production market. However, it produces a lot more material than it can use, leading to an imbalance in production and usage. The main usage of fly ash is in the construction industry, to be used in place of cement for the production of bricks. However, fly ash cannot be completely substituted for cement. Hence, the extra waste fly ash left needs to be disposed of. However, due to the lack of waste sites, India exports its excessive fly ash to Bangladesh. According to the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; India exports about 3 million tons of fly ash to Bangladesh through its waterways, where it is used in cement factories.

However, Fly ash exports are unregulated, which leads to the overloading of export ships, resulting in frequent breakdowns and spillages. Fly ash spillages are toxic since it contains various chemicals such as arsenic, aluminum, antimony, barium, cadmium, nickel, lead, etc. According to a study by Healthy Energy Initiative, five ships delivering fly ash containers to Bangladesh sank in the region in 2020. This is a serious threat to the flora and fauna in the region, as well as the people living in the region since it can lead to serious health implications. Moreover, coal combustion industries also pose a threat to the people living in the region. According to a report by the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA), people living next to a coal disposal site have an increased risk of developing cancer or other serious ailments. It also reports that people that drink water contaminated with arsenic have as much as 1 in 50 a chance of developing cancer.

Asia-Pacific Region to Lead the Market

The Asia-Pacific market has the greatest market share in the Fly Ash industry. The fly ash market is predicted to grow even more due to the region’s rapidly increasing industrial sector.

India has been reported to have the largest production of fly ash in the world, followed by China. This is primarily due to the fact that most industries in the region use coal as a primary fuel, leading to the massive production of fly ash in the region. This has led governments to search for better alternatives for the usage and disposal of fly ash and implement certain measures to help in the proper utilization of fly ash in the region. The rising construction industry in the region is the main consumer of fly ash in the region. It is mixed with cement or concrete to provide strength and sturdiness to the material. It is also used in the building of roads, by mixing it with asphalt, and with the introduction of several highway and expressway projects, the market is expected to grow.

The construction business in Qatar is also expanding, owing to the FIFA World Cup set for 2022, which is prompting the development of new infrastructure, buildings, hotels, and highways.

Covid-19 Insight

The COVID-19 outbreak triggered a devastating global economic collapse. Since many countries implemented lockdown measures and social distance rules, most key sectors experienced significant losses. Along with the closure of many major industries, the construction industry also faced a significant slowdown. With construction activities stopped in most parts of the world, the fly ash market suffered huge losses. Since fly ash is a byproduct of coal, and coal is required in a lot of essential industries in developing countries, like electricity production, fly ash production continued to rise. However, with a drop in demand for fly ash, the market suffered. This led to an imbalance in the market, due to continuous supply and minimal demand. This led to many countries disposing of their excess fly ash. However, as the COVID-19 regulations are being lifted, the market has started to re-emerge, and with the increase in demand for construction activities, the market is expected to rise.

The algaecides market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.54% to reach a market size worth US$3.016 billion by 2028. This market was valued at US$2.364 billion in 2021.

Algae are microscopic organisms that develop in water or moist environments. In a pond, algae growth consumes all of the oxygen that other underwater living species require to exist. Furthermore, certain species of algae can be dangerous to humans, fish, and plants, thus excessive algae should be avoided or eradicated. It is a chemical that kills and prevents algae and cyanobacteria from growing. Algaecides are divided into two categories: natural and synthetic algaecides. They are typically employed to keep filamentous, branching, and planktonic algae at bay. Algaecide effectiveness is determined by a variety of parameters, including application volumes, water chemistry, and product formulation.

Analysts Predict That the Market Will Grow as the Number of Harmful Algal Blooms Increases as a Result of Climate Change

The rise in the frequency of toxic algal blooms around the world as a result of climate change is one of the primary factors fueling the algaecides market growth. Climate change, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, is raising water temperatures, creating an ideal habitat for harmful algae blooms to thrive. Other variables that are causing the dangerous algal blooms to grow faster include changes in salinity, greater carbon dioxide levels, and variations in rainfall. The increase in algal blooms has resulted in an increase in demand for algaecides, which is predicted to fuel the algaecides market’s expansion throughout the forecast period, as climate change is expected to continue to have an impact in the coming years.

The algal bloom induced by Karenia brevis, a saltwater microorganism, is steadily spreading up Florida’s southwest coast. K. Brevis was found in different levels in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, and Collier Counties as of June 4, 2021. A measure that will mandate the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to procure technology effectively in eliminating hazardous algae, pollutants and nutrients from water bodies was passed on November 30, 2021. Local government entities can apply for a technology grant through the agency. According to a legislative staff report, the initiative aims to rehabilitate Florida’s water bodies by using short-term measures to address algal blooms and nutrient contamination.

Similarly, every year, thick harmful algae bloom occurs in Lake Erie in North America.  Scientists have warned that the problem of harmful algal bloom in the lake is worsening as a result of climate change. In 2021, Lake George experienced two significant harmful algal blooms (HABs), one in July and the other in October, recording the lake’s third and fourth HABs, respectively. Since the early October bloom, the state’s Department of Conservation has documented six more small, localized shoreline HABs on Lake George. Between July 6 and August 25, 2021, 24 reports of suspected HABs were received along Lake Champlain’s New York shoreline, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation. This year, the state recorded 192 HAB-affected water bodies, up from 184 in 2020.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO launched an unprecedented examination of nearly 10,000 harmful algal bloom (HAB) incidents worldwide during the previous 33 years in June 2021. The first-ever global statistical research looked at 9,500 HABs incidents over 33 years and discovered that the harm caused by HABs increases in tandem with the aquaculture industry’s growth and increased marine exploitation. Although algaecides are not a long-term solution, they are still utilized for short-term objectives, and with the rise in algal blooms due to climate change, the algaecides is anticipated to expand greatly throughout the forecast period.

During the Forecast Period, the Aquaculture Segment Is Expected to Maintain a Significant Share in the Global Algaecides Market

Because of the structured expansion of aquaculture in both freshwater and marine areas for the purpose of maintaining water quality and the increased prevalence of algal bloom in the North and Latin American regions, which affects fish and mussel farmers in the region, algaecides are used the most in aquaculture. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aquaculture production is expected to reach 109 million tonnes in 2030, up 32 percent (26 million tonnes) from 2018. The total quantity of fish produced is expected to rise from 179 million tonnes in 2018 to 204 million tonnes in 2030. The need for aquaculture production and fish consumption is continuing to rise, necessitating increased aquaculture productivity. As a result, the use of algaecides in aquaculture has grown over time and hence plays a substantial role in aquaculture production, which is why the aquaculture segment of the algaecides market has a notable market share and is expected to continue to dominate the algaecides market during the forecast period.

According to Regional Analysis, the Algaecides Market in North America Is Expected to Hold a Significant Share During the Projected Period

The global algaecides market is segmented into five regions based on geography: North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Because of a well-established aquaculture business in countries like the United States and Canada, the North American region is expected to occupy a considerable proportion of the algaecides market and to have significant expansion. The market will further propel due to the rising worries about algae blooms and the region’s increased focus on reducing water pollution, particularly in the United States. Furthermore, the country’s high industrialization necessitates the use of algaecides to prevent the growth of undesired algal, which will boost the market in the region.

COVID-19 Insights

The market was negatively impacted by business disruptions and price fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the algaecide business caters primarily to non-essential end-user sectors, the most substantial effects of the pandemic occurred in the first quarter of the year, with a steady but uneven recovery taking root as the second half of the year progressed. The COVID-19 pandemic altered the global economy and supply and demand fundamentals. For instance, the Dow Chemical Company witnessed net sales of $38.5 billion in 2020, down 10% from net sales of $43.0 billion in 2019.

Algaecides Market Scope:

The global antimicrobial coating market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.05% over the analyzed period to reach a market size of US$8.914 billion in 2026. The market stood at US$4.020 billion in 2019.

Antimicrobial coatings comprise an invisible coating that is applied on surfaces to curb the growth of micro-organisms on them. These coatings are widely used in the medical and healthcare sectors, textile industries, food and beverage sector, and HVAC Systems. The increasing awareness among the people to adopt hygiene and cleanliness is expected to drive up the market growth in the coming years. Also, the spread of Healthcare-associated Infections is expected to drive up the market in coming years.

Antimicrobial Coating provides several benefits which include restricting the growth of pathogens and microbes like bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. Antimicrobial Coatings serve an important role to sanitize places and surfaces like hospitals that witness a threat of microbial breakdown. As long as the transparent coat remains effective, it not just protects the surface from microbes but also increases the life span of the surfaces.

Industrial Application of Antimicrobial Coating

Antimicrobial Coatings are widely used in the Healthcare Industry to control the spread of infection in hospitals and healthcare units. Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) include ventilator-associated pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, etc. that are associated with the devices used in medical procedures like ventilators or catheters. The infections that spread at surgery sites are known as surgical site infections. HAI Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that on a given day around 1 in 31 hospital patients suffers from at least 1 Healthcare-Associated Infection. According to European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, more than 4 million people suffer from HAI each year and around 37,000 people die each year after acquiring them.  Medical Devices serve as a breeding ground for many bacteria and viruses and their disinfection becomes difficult with time. With the threat of infection, hospitals and other healthcare units apply antimicrobial coatings on their medical instruments to sanitize and prevent the growth of germs and bacteria on them.

Besides that, Antimicrobial coatings are being widely used in paints to restrict the growth of pathogens and associated germs on the facilities. Besides providing the protection they serve as a primer coating to walls thus giving a dual advantage.

Antimicrobial Coatings are also used to sanitize the high touch areas like door handles, counters, HVAC Vents, and high microbe containing objects like gloves, carpets, and masks. 

Antimicrobial Coatings are being widely adopted in facilities like schools, public residential buildings, offices, restaurants, etc. to restrict the spread of microbes. In ventilation systems, Air Conditioners, etc. they are used to maintain indoor air quality.

To maintain hygiene in the food and beverage sector, the adoption of antimicrobial coatings has become quite common. In the textile industry, it is widely used to maintain the texture, quality, and hygiene standards of the clothes for the long term.

Warnings Associated With the Antimicrobial Coatings

Although, antimicrobial coatings provide long-term safety to surfaces by restricting the growth of microbes on them its excessive application comes with few warnings as well. The application of antimicrobial coatings on fabrics can increase water contamination while washing which makes it harmful to the environment. The chemicals present in them like silver, copper, zinc, titanium dioxide, etc., when exposed to water bodies, can be consumed by fishes, and have toxic effects on algae, etc. which makes it unsuitable for aquatic life. Also, there’s an increased chance that the active nanoparticles present in them can aid in the formation of some mutated and chemical-resistant microbe.

Regional and Geographical Insights

With the high rate of healthcare investment being done in the state, North America is witnessed to expect a prominent growth in the antimicrobial coating market. The technological advancement and high expenditure by the government on healthcare facilities are expected to boost up the antimicrobial coating market here. The data available from World Bank reveals that in 2018, the healthcare expenditure of the United States stood at 16.89% of G.D.P. which was way higher than the world average of 9.856%. OECD Data represents that 2019 Health Spending in the United States was the highest (10,948 US Dollars/ capita) with the highest share attributed by the government sector.

Also, with the growing rate of infrastructure development in the Asia-Pacific region, the growth of the antimicrobial coating market can be significant in the region. Also, the antimicrobial coating market can take the advantage of the high prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in the region and can expand its market in Asia-Pacific as well.

COVID-19 Impact

The outburst of the covid pandemic witnessed a rise in the adoption of healthy and clean practices to promote hygiene. With this, the adoption of antimicrobial coatings became significant across industries. Healthcare Industry including hospitals, healthcare units, etc. across the economies highly adopted the use of antimicrobial coatings to limit the spread of disease and virus by a certain limit on the surface areas. Apart from the adoption of masks, sanitizers, the use of antimicrobial coating became a sign of a healthy environment and infrastructure.

Antimicrobial Coatings Market Scope:

The thermal energy storage market is evaluated at US$4.254 billion for the year 2020, growing at a CAGR of 13.23%, reaching a market size of US$10.151 billion by the year 2027.

Thermoelectric storage (TES), also known as heat storage, is a non-chemical method of transferring power that is simple and highly efficient. Heat storage, also known as thermoelectric storage (TES), is a non-chemical method of transferring power that is simple and highly efficient to use. This is one of the most eco-friendly ways to save energy. Thermoelectricity stores thermal energy in either a hot or a cold state for later use. Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, end-user energy consumption is reduced, and peak load demand is decreased with thermal energy storage systems. Based on the type of materials used in manufacturing, the efficiency and effectiveness of the system are determined. Other energy storage applications include solar power plants, thermal power plants, combined heat and power plants, and process industries. In addition to the increased use of renewable energy sources, the market is driven by the need for a continuously available supply.

The high demand for thermal energy storage in HVAC will also contribute to district heating and cooling gaining substantial traction. There is a lack of awareness concerning thermal energy storage technologies and the high cost associated with using these systems, along with the requirement for highly skilled technicians to handle maintenance, which is likely to constrain the market during the forecast period. The adoption of renewable technologies is predicted to increase in the near future, presenting numerous opportunities for players in the market. 

Growing Need for Energy Storage to Supplement Ever-Increasing Solar Power Output

In order to combat global climate change, governments, energy authorities, and utilities are striving toward decarbonization of the energy sector and reduction of carbon emissions. Over 90% of the energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reductions required by 2050 can be achieved through accelerated deployment of renewables, electrification, and energy efficiency of the electric grid, according to IRENA. IRENA estimates that renewable energy capacity worldwide was 176 GW higher in 2019 than in 2018-an an increase of 7.4%. The hydropower sector recovered to its long-term growth trend in 2019. Solar continues to be a strong source of renewable electricity generation; in 2018, solar surpassed bioenergy as the third-largest source. There was an increase of 28 percent and 11 percent in the wind and solar generation in 2018. Across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, solar energy has experienced 49% annual growth due to the strong federal government policies encouraging the adoption of the energy, Solar Investment Tax Credit, and increasing demand for clean energy from both the public and private sectors. In 2018, China generated 1,870 TWh of electricity from renewable sources (26.7% of the country’s total), according to Renewable Energy World. The Indian government has set a goal of installing 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, including 60 GW of wind energy, 10 GW of bioenergy, 100 GW of solar energy, and 5 GW of small hydroelectricity. Additionally, the Spanish government aims to add 157 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and raised its renewable energy target to 74% by that date. Based on the IEA, Concentrated Solar Power or CSP generated an estimated 34% more power in 2019 and is projected to grow even more in future years. Continual policy support can be gained by working on CSP projects across the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, and North America regions.  By cooling or heating thermal energy storage mediums such as sand, rocks, water, and molten salt, solar thermal energy can be stored to be used as a heat source and a cooling source later.

Solar heat can be stored and used to generate electricity when there isn’t sunlight, which is why thermal energy storage is crucial for concentrating solar power. It allows CSP plants to operate continuously even when there is no sunlight. In addition to the thermocline system, there are also two-tank indirect and two-tank direct thermal storage systems. Thermal energy storage in CSP plants has many advantages, including increased reliability, reduced investment and operating costs, and economical operation. In addition, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions. This will drive the market growth for thermal energy storage.

Competition From Battery Storage and Pumped Storage Might Hinder the Market Growth

  Buildings can improve peak electricity demand by storing thermal energy, while batteries can provide backup power to lighting, elevators, and computers. Energy costs for air conditioning account for a third of annual energy costs in summer. It would be inefficient and expensive to store energy in batteries, then transform it again for instantaneous cooling. The entire building load, on the other hand, cannot be backed up by just thermal storage. Among utility-scale storage methods, pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) is the most popular by far in the USA, accounting for 95% of all energy storage. In the last 10 years, pumped-storage hydropower has increased by 2 GW, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). While thermal energy storage can be more affordable in comparison with battery storage and pumped-hydro storage, it is less preferred due to its lower efficiency at economies of scale. Consequently, these substitutes pose a threat to the market’s growth. 

COVID-19 Impact

Renewable energy technologies have already been challenged in several markets by financing, policy uncertainties, and grid integration since the start of 2020, and these challenges have been exacerbated by COVID-19. As a result of the unprecedented global COVID-19 crisis, the amount of new renewable power installations worldwide is expected to drop. Compared with 2019, 2020 is expected to see a decline of 13% in net additions of renewable electricity capacity as per IEA estimates. There have been delays in construction due to disruptions in supply chains, lockdowns across major economies, and social-discriminatory policies for workers, along with subsequent financial difficulties.

Global Thermal Energy Storage Market Scope: