Following reports of forecasted strong growth in the global air compressor market spurred by changing specification requirements, a product expert is advocating manufacturing plant stakeholders to leverage supply chain expertise to avoid equipment shortages and reduce repair and maintenance requirements.
According to Maximise Market Research’s latest report, the global air compressor market was valued at $27.38 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $38.63 billion by 2030 – a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.04%.
The report cites growing demand for energy-efficient, low-emission compressors, alongside ongoing technological innovation, as key factors behind this growth.
Given the anticipated need for stakeholders to upgrade existing equipment to more efficient, greener models in line with sustainability legislation, Russell Brown, Global Product Manager – Oil Free Air at Aggreko is highlighting how short-, medium and long-term hire can help manufacturers avoid lengthy wait times for new equipment, alongside reducing ongoing repair and maintenance requirements.
“This market report clearly points to an expected overhaul of compressor equipment the manufacturing sector must prepare for,” explains Russell. “This is obviously welcome news – given the importance of compressed air at manufacturing plants, upgrading existing equipment will unlock better ways of working across facilities.
“Taking account of the enthusiasm we ourselves are seeing in the sector over using a hire-based, modular equipment procurement strategy, we must ensure the transition to new equipment and new approaches is as seamless as possible. Considering the current economic conditions, strong supplier relationships will be key to this.
“Though market volatility cannot always be forecasted with precision, it can certainly be expected, particularly as new green legislation continues to affect the manufacturing sector. But given this and the demand to maintain plant performance as compressor technology advances, relevant stakeholders should continually review their equipment procurement strategies if they are to ensure their facility’s competitiveness. Engaging third-party expertise while adopting a temporary procurement strategy could help stakeholders remain dynamic to changing market conditions and regulatory demands.”
With more efficient and sustainable operations key to any equipment overhaul, Aggreko has added to its existing fleet of 100% oil-free electric variable speed driven (VSD) compressors to include low-emission Stage V-certified assets capable of running on HVO. The investment into the compressors, which meet ISO 8573-1 Class 0 – the strictest air quality standard – is in keeping with Aggreko’s sustainability framework, Energising Change, which aims to support businesses in making choices that are kinder to the environment.
“Aggreko’s investment in our oil-free compressor portfolio clearly demonstrates our commitment to supporting the European manufacturing sector in their decarbonisation journey,” concludes Russell. “Engaging suppliers that can provide clean, contaminant-free air via scalable, modular and adaptable solutions could be invaluable to organisations with reduced capex budgets.
“With this in mind, it is vital that equipment stakeholders begin planning now to ensure they remain ahead of the curve on their compressed air provision. Reducing downtime along with energy bills and carbon footprints will be key to organisations across Europe meeting their net zero obligations. With this in mind, I would advise plant stakeholders reach out to the wider supply chain in the short-, medium- and long-term to break down the capex investment barriers preventing them from accessing the latest, most efficient and sustainably operating compressed air equipment.”
Aggreko is also able to provide desiccant dryers to support compressor operations, ensuring the supply of dry air and avoiding process or equipment issues downstream caused by moisture or corrosion.
For more information of Aggreko’s range of efficient 100% oil-free air compressors, CLICK HERE.
