Stratistics MRC에 따르면, 세계의 활성탄 수은 제어 시장은 2025년 25억 달러를 차지하고, 예측 기간 중 CAGR 7.7%로 확대되어, 2032년에는 42억 달러에 이를 전망입니다.
활성탄 수은 제어는 산업원, 특히 석탄 화력 발전소에서 수은 배출을 줄이는 데 사용되는 방법입니다. 수은은 탄소 입자의 표면에 결합하고 버그 필터와 전기 집진기와 같은 미립자 제어 장치를 통해 제거됩니다.
미국 에너지부(DOE)에 따르면, 활성탄은 재생가능 에너지 시설의 5%, 특히 바이오매스 발전소에서 수은 제어에 사용되고 있으며, 산업용 수은 제어용 활성탄의 비용은 1톤당 약 3,000달러입니다.
엄격한 환경 규제
엄격한 환경 규제는 특히 석탄 화력 발전소와 폐기물 소각 등의 산업 공정에서 배출되는 수은의 삭감을 의무화함으로써 활성탄 수은 제어 시장을 견인하고 있습니다. 법 규제 준수는 양도할 수 없게 되고, 제조업체는 선진적인 수은 포착 시스템에 투자해 시장의 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
높은 운영 비용
운용 비용의 높이는 활성탄 수은 제어 시장에 큰 과제를 붙이고 있습니다. 제품의 비용이 높아지고 특히 소규모 산업의 경우 시장 접근이 제한됩니다.
기술 진보
기술의 진보는 수은 포착 시스템의 효율과 유효성을 높이는 것으로 확실히 시장을 견인하고 있습니다. 니타링 기술의 진보는 정확한 배치와 실시간 배출량 추적을 가능하게 합니다.
공급망 제약
공급망의 제약이 활성탄 수은 규제 시장에 악영향을 미치고, 생산과 유통의 지연으로 이어지고 있습니다. 이러한 과제는 운영 비용 증가와 수요의 체류로 이어지고 있으며, 특히 에너지와 화학 생산 등 효과적인 수은 여과에 의존하는 업계에 영향을 미치고 있습니다.
COVID-19의 영향
COVID-19 팬데믹은 활성탄 수은 제어 시장을 크게 혼란시켜 공급망의 중단, 원재료 비용 상승, 광업과 시멘트 생산 등 주요 산업의 조업 정지로 이어졌습니다. 2022년부터는 엄격한 환경규제와 대기질 관리 중시가 높아지면서 강력한 회복이 시작되었습니다.
예측기간 동안 분사식 활성탄(IAC) 분야가 최대가 될 전망
분사식 활성탄(IAC) 부문은 수은 포착에 있어서 높은 효율성과 다양한 배출제어 시스템에 대한 적응성에 의해 예측기간 동안 최대 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 기존의 배기 가스 처리 인프라와의 호환성은 도입 비용을 절감하는 한편, 환경 규제의 고조는 채용을 뒷받침하고 있으며, IAC는 지속 가능한 배출 제어 전략에서 중요한 인에이블러로 자리매김하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 발전 부문이 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다.
예측기간 동안 석탄 화력발전소에서 수은 배출을 대상으로 한 엄격한 환경규제로 발전부문이 가장 높은 성장률을 보일 것으로 예측되고 있습니다. 특히 신흥경제권에서 전력 수요가 증가함에 따라 발전사업자는 대기정화기준을 준수하기 위해 수은 포착 기술에 대한 투자를 늘리고 있습니다. 이 때문에 활성탄 기반 솔루션의 채용이 급증하고 효율적인 배출 감축을 위해 조정된 고성능 흡착제 시장 성장과 기술 혁신을 뒷받침하고 있습니다.
예측 기간 동안 아시아태평양이 가장 큰 시장 점유율을 차지할 것으로 예측됩니다. 이는 산업계와 발전소가 수은 제거에 활성탄을 채택하여 지역이 환경 지속가능성 향상과 규제 준수의 혜택을 받습니다. 이 시장은 또한 그린 테크놀러지의 개발을 지원하고 경제 성장과 고용 기회를 창출합니다.
예측 기간 동안 북미는 수은 제거 솔루션에 대한 산업 수요가 증가함에 따라 가장 높은 CAGR을 나타낼 것으로 예측됩니다. 기술의 필요성은 수은 제거용 활성탄의 채용에 박차를 가하고 있습니다. 또한, 기술의 진보와 환경 관리에 있어서의 지속 가능한 관행에의 시프트가 시장을 견인해, 그 계속적인 확대와 호영향을 확실하게 하고 있습니다.
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Activated Carbon Mercury Control Market is accounted for $2.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $4.2 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. Activated Carbon Mercury Control refers to a method used to reduce mercury emissions from industrial sources, particularly coal-fired power plants. In this process, activated carbon-a highly porous material with a large surface area-is injected into flue gases to capture mercury vapor. The mercury binds to the surface of the carbon particles, which are then removed through particulate control devices like fabric filters or electrostatic precipitators. This technique is effective for controlling both elemental and oxidized forms of mercury.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), activated carbon is used in 5% of renewable energy facilities for mercury control, particularly biomass plants, and the cost of activated carbon for mercury control in industrial applications is approximately USD 3,000 per ton.
Stringent Environmental Regulations
Stringent environmental regulations are absolutely driving the Activated Carbon Mercury Control Market by mandating the reduction of mercury emissions from industrial processes, especially in coal-fired power plants and waste incineration. These regulations compel industries to adopt effective emission control technologies, boosting demand for activated carbon solutions. As compliance becomes non-negotiable, manufacturers invest in advanced mercury capture systems, fueling market growth. This regulatory push not only fosters environmental protection but also stimulates innovation and expansion within the activated carbon industry.
High Operational Costs
High operational costs pose a significant challenge to the activated carbon mercury control market. The increased expenses related to production, transportation, and maintenance of specialized equipment for mercury removal processes strain the financial resources of manufacturers. This results in higher end-product costs, limiting market accessibility, especially for smaller industries. Additionally, the pressure of maintaining profitability in the face of rising costs hinders technological advancements and market expansion.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements are definitely driving the market by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of mercury capture systems. Innovations in activated carbon production, such as tailored pore structures and surface modifications, improve adsorption capacity and performance in industrial applications. Additionally, advancements in injection systems and monitoring technologies enable precise deployment and real-time emissions tracking. These developments support stricter environmental regulations, lower operational costs, and increased adoption across sectors, ultimately fostering market growth and environmental sustainability.
Supply Chain Constraints
Supply chain constraints have had a negative impact on the Activated Carbon Mercury Control market, leading to delays in production and distribution. Shortages of raw materials, transportation disruptions, and manufacturing slowdowns have hindered the timely delivery of activated carbon products needed for mercury control. These challenges have increased operational costs and led to a backlog in demand, particularly affecting industries that rely on effective mercury filtration, such as energy and chemical production. Thus, it limits market expansion.
Covid-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the activated carbon mercury control market, leading to supply chain interruptions, increased raw material costs, and operational halts in key industries like mining and cement production. However, the market demonstrated resilience, with a robust recovery beginning in 2022, driven by stringent environmental regulations and a growing emphasis on air quality management. Technological advancements in activated carbon manufacturing further contributed to the market's resurgence.
The injected activated carbon (IAC) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The injected activated carbon (IAC) segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its high efficiency in mercury capture and adaptability in various emission control systems. IAC offers superior surface area and reactivity, enabling faster and more effective mercury adsorption, especially in coal-fired power plants and industrial boilers. Its compatibility with existing flue gas treatment infrastructure reduces implementation costs, while growing environmental regulations are boosting adoption, positioning IAC as a critical enabler in sustainable emissions control strategies.
The power generation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the power generation segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to stringent environmental regulations targeting mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. As demand for electricity grows, especially in emerging economies, power producers increasingly invest in mercury capture technologies to comply with clean air standards. This has led to a surge in the adoption of activated carbon-based solutions, boosting market growth and innovation in high-performance sorbents tailored for efficient emission reduction.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share as industries and power plants adopt activated carbon for mercury removal, the region benefits from enhanced environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. This market also supports the development of green technologies, creating economic growth and job opportunities. Moreover, it helps mitigate the harmful effects of mercury pollution on public health, contributing to overall regional well-being.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to increased industrial demand for mercury removal solutions. The rising awareness of air and water pollution, coupled with the need for cleaner technologies in industries like power generation and manufacturing, is fueling the adoption of activated carbon for mercury control. Furthermore, technological advancements and the shift toward sustainable practices in environmental management are driving the market, ensuring its continued expansion and positive impact.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Activated Carbon Mercury Control Market include Calgon Carbon Corporation, Cabot Corporation, Jacobi Carbons AB, Haycarb PLC, Donau Chemie AG, CarboTech AC GmbH, Albemarle Corporation, NUCON International Inc., Carbon Activated Corporation, Kureha Corporation, Osaka Gas Chemicals Co., Ltd., Ingevity Corporation, BASF SE, General Carbon Corporation, Donau Carbon GmbH and Active Char Products Pvt Ltd.
In April 2025, BASF announced its first Canadian Master Research Agreement (MRA) with the University of Toronto, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to expand its research collaborations in North America. This partnership aims to streamline innovation projects and foster collaboration between BASF researchers and Canadian academics.
In October 2024, BASF made a strategic partnership with Aspen Aerogels to enhance its aerogel product offerings and expand its market reach. This partnership is set to drive innovation in aerogel technologies, particularly in high-performance insulation materials.