The power sector is undergoing a global transition, with key markets moving away from carbon-producing fossil fuels and moving toward renewables like wind and solar. Global electricity demand is rising at approximately 1.7%, annually, because of population growth, industrialization, and changing demographic changes, including economic advancements in select countries such as China. 

Water and electricity generation (power) are intrinsically linked due to water’s role in thermoelectric power plants. For water solutions providers, the electric power industry vertical presents a range of opportunities, from emerging markets to advancing renewable technologies (e.g., hydrogen). Underlying these opportunities are changing regulatory policies, water-related risks (e.g., drought, flooding), and corporate sustainability initiatives.

Bluefield’s forecast methodology considers a variety of key market and macroeconomic variables, including power trends, inflationary pressures, facility-level usage, and demographic trends.

This report lays out Bluefield’s 2023–2030 forecast for capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenditures (OPEX) in the water for power sector. These forecasts focus on water usage, geographic differences, and opportunities by fuel type.