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 on the water and wastewater treatment sector. Water collection and distribution accounts for about 70 percent of this spending. Product quality and treatment accounts for 30 percent of spending. Direct purchases of capital equipment accounts for 30 percent of that total spending.

Local firms manufacture the majority of pipes, fittings, and small-scale sewage treatment process equipment. Many local firms also manufacture under license. Imports supply approximately 60 percent of the market. France and Germany are the main suppliers, followed by the U.S.

A severe drought that began in 2002 has had the biggest impact on the Australian water and wastewater sector. While the crisis has eased over the last few months, water storage levels remain critically low in other cities and regional areas. Governments at all levels are grappling with strategies and projects aimed at securing future water supply.

Almost all of Australia's key industry sectors source water from the same catchment areas used to supply households. Some of these sectors are now developing a number of small water recycling projects. As the value of water increases, industries that are major users of water will find it more feasible to treat their own wastewater internally for re-use. Recycled water is also expected to affect households and a number of new housing developments are incorporating 3rd pipe reticulation to allow for recycled water.

Water authorities continue to spend significantly in the area of pipelines, storage, cleanup projects, pump stations and treatment plants. In addition, some water authorities servicing key cities such as Perth and Sydney have already commenced construction on major seawater desalination plants. Utilities are planning more large-scale desalination plants.

Best Products/Services

• Desalination technology
• Trenchless technology for pipeline replacement and nondestructive technology designed to detect and anticipate leakages and failures.
• Smart metering systems for remote and peak/off-peak measurement.
• Biofiltration systems
• Presses for conversion of water or sludge waste
• New oxidation systems for the removal of chemicals from industrial wastewater
• Filtration equipment for industrial waste applications
• Flowmeters for wastewater measurement.

Opportunities

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

Resources

Trade Events

Enviro08 Conference and Exhibition
Date: May 5 – 7, 2008
Location: Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
http://www.enviroconvention.com.au

2nd Annual NSW WIOA Water Industry Engineers and Operators Conference
Date: April 8-10, 2008
Location: Newcastle, NSW
http://www.wioa.org.au 

Associations

Australian Water Association: http://www.awa.asn.au
Water Services Association of Australia: http://www.wsaa.asn.au/
Water Industry Operators Association: http://www.wioa.org.au