세계의 소프트 스타터 시장 규모는 2025년에 23억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 2034년까지 시장 규모가 33억 달러에 달하고, 2026년부터 2034년까지 CAGR 4.00%로 성장할 것으로 예측하고 있습니다. 산업용 펌프 및 전기 모터에 대한 수요 증가가 시장의 주요 성장 요인으로 작용하고 있습니다.
자동화 기술 보급 확대
산업 자동화의 새로운 트렌드로 인해 소프트 스타터에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 소프트 스타터는 모터 동작을 정밀하게 제어하고 마모와 손상을 최소화하기 위한 것입니다. 예를 들어, 2024년 6월, 세계적인 기계 구동 장치, 모션 제어 및 자동화 기술 제조업체인 렌츠 아메리카스(Lenz Americas)는 자재 취급을 포함한 애플리케이션을 위해 설계된 혁신적인 스마트 모터를 발표했습니다. 또한, 자유롭게 조정 가능한 속도, 프로그램 가능한 I/O, 이송 요구에 대응하는 통합 기능을 통해 모션 제어에 있어 고객이 원하는 자유도와 파워를 제공합니다. 이는 소프트 스타터 시장에서 최근 기회 중 하나를 보여줍니다.
에너지 효율에 대한 관심 증가
에너지 비용의 상승과 엄격한 환경 규제로 인해 에너지 효율은 다양한 산업 분야에서 중요한 초점이 되고 있습니다. 소프트 스타터는 모터 시동 시 돌입 전류를 줄이고 전기 서지를 방지하여 에너지 소비를 최소화하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다. 이는 운영 비용을 절감할 뿐만 아니라 지속가능성에 대한 노력에도 기여하고 있으며, 최근 소프트 스타터 시장의 가격 상승을 견인하고 있습니다. 각 산업 분야에서 탄소발자국 감소, 에너지 효율 기준 달성, 장기적인 비용 절감을 위해 소프트 스타터 도입이 널리 확산되고 있으며, 이는 시장 성장을 주도하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2024년 4월, 디지털 전환 및 산업 자동화 전문 세계 최대 기업인 로크웰 오토메이션(Rockwell Automation)은 IEC 표준을 준수하는 신형 저전압 모터 제어 센터(MCC)인 FLEXLINE(TM) 3500을 개발했습니다.
다양한 산업 분야로의 적용 확대
수처리, 발전, 운송 등을 포함한 인프라 개발 프로젝트의 증가도 시장 성장을 촉진하는 중요한 요인으로 작용하고 있습니다. 이러한 프로젝트에서는 컴프레서, 펌프 등 주요 설비의 원활한 가동을 위해 신뢰성 높은 모터 제어 솔루션이 요구됩니다. 소프트 스타터 시장 개요에 따르면, 이러한 수요가 시장을 활성화시키고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2024년 4월 ABB 인도는 포장, 식음료, 금속, 시멘트 및 광업, 플라스틱 및 고무 등 다양한 산업에 최적화된 최신 IEC 저전압 IE4 주철 슈퍼 프리미엄 효율 모터를 출시했습니다.
The global soft starter market size reached USD 2.3 Billion in 2025. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3.3 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.00% during 2026-2034. The increasing demand for industrial pumps and electric motors is primarily driving the market.
Rising Use of Automation Technologies
The emerging trend of industrial automation is escalating the demand for soft starters, as they offer precise control over motor operations, thereby minimizing wear and tear. For example, in June 2024, Lenze Americas, one of the global manufacturers of mechanical drives, motion control, and automation technology, introduced an innovative smart motor designed for applications, including material handling. Moreover, it offers customers the freedom and power they want in motion control, with freely adjustable speeds, programmable I/O, and integrated functions for conveying needs. This represents one of the soft starter market's recent opportunities.
Growing Focus on Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is becoming an important focus across various industries due to rising energy costs and stringent environmental regulations. Soft starters play a vital role in minimizing energy consumption by reducing inrush currents and preventing electrical surges during motor startup. This not only lowers operational costs but also contributes to sustainability efforts, which is elevating the soft starter market's recent price. Industries are widely adopting soft starters to reduce carbon footprints, meet energy efficiency standards, and achieve long-term savings, driving the market growth for these devices. For instance, in April 2024, Rockwell Automation, Inc., the world's largest company dedicated to digital transformation and industrial automation, developed the FLEXLINE(TM) 3500, a new low voltage motor control center (MCC) for IEC.
Increasing Applications in Numerous Industries
The rising number of infrastructure development projects, including water treatment, power generation, transportation, etc., is acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. They require reliable motor control solutions to ensure smooth operations of compressors, pumps, and other critical equipment. As per the soft starter market overview, this is stimulating the market. For example, in April 2024, ABB India introduced its latest IEC Low Voltage IE4 cast iron super premium efficiency motors that are tailored for a range of industries, including packaging, food and beverage, metals, cement and mining, plastics and rubber, etc.
Medium to high voltage soft starter currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market
Medium to high voltage soft starters are essential devices for controlling the acceleration and deceleration of large electric motors, thereby reducing mechanical stress and electrical peak currents. They are typically used in industries such as oil and gas, mining, water treatment, and power generation, where they enhance motor lifespan and energy efficiency. Examples of such products include the ABB PSTX range, which offers advanced protection features and a wide voltage range, and the Siemens 3RW55 series, known for its robust design and integration capabilities with industrial automation systems. These soft starters often come with features like built-in bypass contactors, extensive diagnostics, and customizable control options, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications. This, in turn, is elevating the soft starter market revenue.
Currently, pumps hold the largest market share
Pumps represented the largest segmentation in the market primarily because they are integral to a wide range of industries, including water treatment, oil and gas, and manufacturing, where controlling the flow and pressure of liquids is crucial. The use of soft starters in pump applications minimizes mechanical stress and electrical surges during startup and shutdown, enhancing the longevity and reliability of the pumping systems. For instance, in water treatment plants, Schneider Electric's Altistart soft starters are commonly utilized to ensure the smooth operation of pumps, reducing the risk of water hammer and mechanical wear. This widespread application of pumps in critical processes underscores their dominant presence in the soft starter market outlook.
Oil and gas industry accounts for the majority of the total soft starter market share
The oil and gas industry represented the largest segmentation in the market due to its high demand for reliable and efficient motor control solutions in various applications such as drilling, pumping, and processing. In this sector, the need to minimize equipment downtime and maintenance costs is critical, making soft starters an ideal choice for their ability to reduce mechanical stress and electrical peaks during motor startup and shutdown. For example, in offshore drilling operations, the use of ABB's PSTX soft starters helps ensure smooth and controlled operation of large pumps and compressors, preventing sudden surges and extending the lifespan of critical machinery. This extensive use of soft starters in essential oil and gas operations highlights the industry's significant contribution to the soft starter market demand.
North America currently dominates the market
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.
The market in North America is characterized by a robust demand driven by the region's advanced industrial base, the widespread adoption of automation technologies, and stringent energy efficiency regulations. Industries, such as oil and gas, water treatment, and manufacturing, heavily rely on soft starters to enhance motor performance and reduce operational costs. For instance, Siemens' 3RW44 soft starters are widely used in North American manufacturing plants to ensure smooth motor startups and minimize electrical disturbances. Additionally, in the water treatment sector, Rockwell Automation's Allen-Bradley SMC-50 soft starters are popular for their advanced control features and reliability, supporting the region's efforts to optimize energy use and maintain high operational standards. This diverse industrial application underscores the significance of the soft starter market statistics in North America.
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major soft starter market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include: