Gas Jet Compressor Market Report

The rising demand for cleaner natural gas energy is substantially boosting the demand for gas jet compressors, as industries and governments globally aim to lower their carbon emissions and move towards more sustainable energy options. Following its recovery in 2021, global gas production remained consistent in 2022 and 2023, witnessing a minor rise of +0.7% in 2023. Natural gas, considered a more environmentally friendly option compared to coal and oil due to its reduced carbon emissions, is increasingly being favoured as the energy source in different industries, such as electricity generation, industrial heating, and transportation. As the emphasis on natural gas rises, there is a heightened need for systems that are effective, dependable, and demand little upkeep to assist in its extraction, transport, and utilization.

Gas jet compressors, utilized in various applications within the gas sector, are essential in fulfilling these requirements. For instance, in Qatar, one of the top natural gas producers globally, gas jet compressors are utilized in LNG, liquefied natural gas, facilities to aid the transportation process. These plants, which are crucial in exporting natural gas, rely on gas jet compressors to maintain optimal pressures for transportation and storage. The compressors not only support the efficiency of LNG production but also ensure that the process is as energy-efficient as possible, helping reduce the overall carbon emissions associated.

Another important aspect of the demand for gas jet compressors is their role in waste heat recovery systems in natural gas applications. The heightened focus on cutting emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in the natural gas industry has resulted in a stronger focus on technologies that can capture and use waste heat. Gas jet compressors are frequently integrated into these systems to recover waste heat from gas turbines and various machinery, converting it into usable energy or minimizing the requirement for extra cooling systems. This aids in cost reduction and environmental sustainability, establishing gas jet compressors as a vital part of contemporary natural gas infrastructure, thereby increasing the demand for gas jet compressors.

While gas jet compressors offer several advantages, a severe disadvantage of the product is that the use of gas as a motive medium can lead to contamination of gases that are to be mixed, transported, or stored. The rising implementation of electric compressors poses a probable challenge to the market as electric compressors use electricity as a motive medium rather than gas. They are gradually being favoured across industries for their energy effectiveness, and minimal ecological impact. As the global push towards carbon footprint neutralization and energy efficiency strengthens, electric compressors are becoming a more attractive option, especially in sectors focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adopting sustainable technologies. As electric compressor eliminates the chance of gas contamination, they become the ideal solutions for applications in industries, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy.

Their high efficiency, less gas adulteration, and ability to integrate seamlessly into renewable energy systems make them a desirable option. For instance, electric compressors can be more energy-efficient in applications where the power supply is consistent and reliable, such as in manufacturing plants or research labs, where low energy consumption is a critical consideration. The shift towards electrification is also driven by advances in grid infrastructure and renewable energy sources. There is a demand for easy and sustainable alternatives in countries with an abundance of natural gas, such as Gulf countries.

For instance, in October 2024, Baker Hughes, an energy technology corporation, announced its biggest order ever of Integrated Compressor Line, ICL, by Dubai Petroleum Establishment, DPE, for Dubai Supply Authority, DUSUP, to increase the reliability of energy supply and support local decarbonization efforts. The 10 ICL units, five for gas storage and five for dual-use injection boosting or gas export to the existing gas distribution system for the Margham Gas storage facility in Dubai, significantly increasing its capacity. While gas jet compressors still have a role in heavy-duty industrial applications, the rise of electric compressors presents a growing challenge to their market share, especially in sectors prioritizing sustainability, efficiency, and reduced emissions.

As gas jet compressor market is saturating, many major players try to stay competitive in the market through innovative product launches, partnerships and collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions. For instance, in November 2023, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced its shipment of two gas compressors from Kobe Works to Malaysia’s Dialog E & C Sdn. Bhd. The gas compressors were ordered by Dialog E & C, an engineering, procurement and construction, EPC, contractor for the southern transmission improvement & readiness project carried out by Petronas Gas Bhd, and used for pressurizing gases in a new booster compressor facility which to be constructed in the Malaysian State of Johor’s Kluang District. 
In addition, in November 2022, Burckhardt Compression launched an oil-free hydrogen compressor for applications that require high mass flows and a discharge pressure of 550 bar. The big high-pressure piston compressor is particularly designed for hydrogen trailer filling and fuel stations with large mass flows. The compressor systems may reach mass flows around 150 kg/h, helping to reduce the required number of positioned compressors per hydrogen trailer filling or fuel station. Additionally, in August 2022, Aerzen announced the launch of a built-in volume control and characterised by maximum dependability as well as low operating costs, series of compressors. With the VMY836H, AERZEN is increasing its successful series with a set for volume flows of up to 23,500 Nm3/h at 60 Hertz, thus, setting a new standard in the field of process gas compression.

Similarly, in March 2023, ELGi revealed the introduction of the GP35FP portable air compressor during the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibition. The GP35FP is a gas-operated rotary screw air compressor equipped with a Vanguard 23 HP gas engine, delivering 35 CFM at 218 PSI, and featuring a 3.9-gallon fuel tank. It also has an integrated aftercooler and moisture separator. Similarly, in June 2022, Nakoda Machinery expanded its engineering and manufacturing capabilities and currently has 3 plants in Ahmednagar, with the 4th coming up in Chakan near Pune. Its product portfolio now includes diesel movable compressors under the Truecomp brand, apart from variety of drills and excavator attachments.

The Asia Pacific leads other regions with its highest share market concerning gas jet compressors due to rapid industrial growth, increasing energy demand, and expanding end-use sectors in the area, such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, HVAC, and manufacturing. Fast-growing economies such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are booming due to tremendous industrialization and infrastructure development, thereby creating a demand for gas compression technologies in various industries ranging from power generation, petrochemical production, and transportation. The demand for gas jet compressors in the oil & gas sector comes atop the list of prominent drivers in the APAC region. Developing countries in APAC region are heavily investing in exploration, production, and refining capacities to fulfil domestic demand of energy, further surging the demand for gas jet compressors.

The most significant shares, after Asia-Pacific, are accounted for by North America and Europe, which are more mature markets. Demand in North America is driven by applications in oil & gas, HVAC, and in the food & beverage sector. In Europe, the growth in the region is driven by a focus on sustainable industrial practices and energy efficiency. The region of Middle East and Africa, particularly GCC countries of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, represents a very vast and growing market for gas jet compressors. It is driven mainly by the region's focus on oil & gas production, petrochemical expansion, and increasing investment in infrastructure and industrial development.