Absorption chillers—cooling systems that harness heat instead of electricity—are gaining ground in the global market as industries seek sustainable alternatives to traditional refrigeration systems. Using heat sources such as natural gas, steam, or waste heat, these chillers operate without electric compressors, instead relying on chemical solutions like lithium bromide-water or ammonia-water to drive the cooling cycle.
According to recent projections, the global absorption chillers market is expected to grow from USD 1.7 billion in 2024 to USD 2.8 billion by 2034. This marks a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% over the 10-year forecast period.
Absorption chillers are increasingly favored for their energy-efficient and eco-friendly performance. Unlike conventional systems, they operate without ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), positioning them as a key solution for reducing environmental impact in commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
Regional Outlook: Asia Pacific Leads, North America and Europe Follow
Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the absorption chillers market through 2034, driven by robust investments in the residential and commercial construction sectors. A surge in data center development across the region is also accelerating demand for advanced cooling technologies.
North America remains a strong growth region, particularly due to adoption in food processing, petroleum, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and plastics manufacturing. Increasing awareness of environmentally friendly cooling solutions is further boosting market potential in the U.S. and Canada.
Europe is anticipated to maintain steady growth, with continued integration of energy-efficient HVAC systems across various industries.
Industry Developments and Key Players
Several major companies are shaping the future of the absorption chiller market with expanded product offerings and innovative solutions:
Johnson Controls, Inc. offers a wide range of HVAC solutions, including absorption chillers, as part of its portfolio in building efficiency and energy systems. The company also provides training, maintenance, and leasing services.
Carrier Corporation manufactures commercial refrigeration systems, including absorption chillers, compressor racks, gas coolers, and heat exchangers, catering to retail and logistics sectors such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and distribution centers.
Other leading market players include:
- Thermax Ltd
- Helioclim
- MultiChill Technologies Inc.
- Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Ltd
- World Energy Absorption Chillers Europe Ltd
- LG Air Conditioning (Shandong) Co. Ltd.
- Hitachi Appliances Inc.
- EAW Energieanlagenbau GmbH
- Century Corporation
- Yazaki Energy Systems Inc.
Market Segmentation
The absorption chillers market is segmented across several categories:
By Source of Energy
- Direct Fired
- Steam-Heated
- Hot Water Heated
- Gaseous Fuels Powered
By Refrigerant Type
- Ammonia Absorption Chillers
- Lithium Bromide (Brine) Absorption Chillers
By Packaging
- Modular Absorption Chillers
- Packaged Absorption Chillers
By Application
- Food Storage
- Air Conditioning
By End Use
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Residential
By Region
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
As industries move toward low-carbon technologies and sustainable infrastructure, absorption chillers are set to play a crucial role in the transition. The market’s expansion reflects a broader global push for greener cooling systems in sectors ranging from manufacturing to information technology.
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