EPC CONSULTING MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

The EPC Consulting Market size is expected to reach US$ 20.32 billion by 2030, from US$ 11.40 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) consulting involves providing services to support and manage large-scale construction projects in industries like oil and gas, chemicals, mining, power, and infrastructure. The key drivers of the EPC consulting market include rising investments in renewable energy projects, increasing focus on improving operational efficiency, and growth in infrastructure development.

The EPC Consulting Market is segmented by service type, end-user industry, and region. By service type, the market is segmented into consulting, engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, and others. The engineering segment accounted for the largest share in 2022 due to rising demand for specialized engineering services for complex industrial projects. Engineering services ensure optimal plant design, integration of advanced technologies, and adherence to industry standards.

EPC Consulting Market Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for EPC Consulting Market during the forecast period, accounting for over 35% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the well-developed energy and utilities sector, presence of leading EPC companies, and increasing number of power generation and transmission projects in the region.
• The Europe market is expected to be the second-largest market for EPC Consulting Market, accounting for over 25% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in Europe is attributed to the rising investments in renewable energy projects, redevelopment of aging infrastructure, and strict regulations regarding energy efficiency and emissions.
• The Asia Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for EPC Consulting Market, with a CAGR of over 12% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to rapid industrialization, growing power demand, and government support for infrastructure development in the region.

Figure 1. Global EPC Consulting Market Share (%), by Region, 2023 

EPC Consulting Market Drivers

• Increasing Investments in Energy Infrastructure Projects: The increasing number of large-scale energy infrastructure projects across the globe is a major driver for the EPC consulting market. Governments and private players are investing heavily in renewable energy projects, oil and gas exploration, power transmission networks, mining facilities, and other energy-related infrastructure. For instance, according to the International Energy Agency, the global investment in energy supply infrastructure is projected to reach $1.9 trillion annually by 2030. This will create significant demand for EPC consulting services to ensure timely and successful execution of these complex capital projects while optimizing budgets and mitigating risks.
• Focus on Improving Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: With rising environmental concerns and stringent regulations, companies across the energy value chain are focused on deploying solutions to improve energy efficiency, lower emissions, and advance sustainability. EPC consultants play a vital role in helping organizations design and implement strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and meet ESG goals. EPC firms provide advisory services to integrate renewable energy, deploy clean technologies like carbon capture, utilize energy-efficient equipment, and adopt sustainable construction practices. The focus on energy efficiency and sustainability is a key driver creating opportunities for EPC consulting firms.
• Consolidation and Expansion of Leading EPC Firms: The EPC consulting domain has witnessed significant consolidation over the past decade with leading players acquiring niche firms to expand their services portfolio and geographic presence. Large firms like Worley, Jacobs, Fluor have made strategic acquisitions to gain competitive advantage. The consolidation strengthens the capabilities of EPC consultants to offer diverse services across the asset lifecycle. It also helps them leverage cross-selling opportunities across business divisions and regions. The consolidation trend is driving the growth of established EPC consulting firms.
• Adoption of Digital Technologies in Construction: Construction is one of the least digitized industries but this is changing with various new technologies being deployed to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety. EPC consultants are adopting digital solutions like building information modeling, virtual reality, predictive analytics, drones, and AI to enable data-driven decision making during design and construction. Advanced visualization and simulation techniques help project managers save time and costs. Digital transformation enhances the capabilities of EPC consultants to deliver innovative solutions thereby boosting market growth.

EPC Consulting Market Opportunities

• Leveraging Big Data Analytics: The exponential growth in big data presents an opportunity for EPC consultants to leverage analytics and gather actionable insights across the project lifecycle. Data analytics can be applied to optimize plant performance, predict maintenance needs, improve supply chain planning, monitor safety parameters, and support strategic decisions. EPC firms can offer their domain expertise in deploying advanced analytics solutions to clients. For instance, combining drone imaging data with AI can automate progress monitoring and hazard identification at construction sites. Big data analytics is a key opportunity area for EPC consulting firms.
• Modular and Offsite Construction: Modular construction techniques involve prefabricating building sections in a controlled facility which are then assembled onsite. This innovative approach is faster, delivers higher quality, and is more sustainable than traditional construction. EPC consultants can leverage their engineering expertise to design modular plants and advise clients on adopting modularization. Offsite manufacturing also mitigates risks of delays and cost overruns. The rise of modular construction presents an opportunity for EPC firms to expand their service portfolio.
• Growth in Emerging Markets: Rapid urbanization and industrialization in emerging economies is driving infrastructure development and energy demand. Markets like India, Brazil, Southeast Asia are undertaking various power, oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure projects where EPC consulting expertise can be leveraged. Established firms are expanding their presence in high-potential emerging markets both organically and inorganically. The growth momentum in emerging economies presents significant opportunities for EPC consultants.
• Solutions for Decarbonization: With countries announcing net zero commitments, there is increasing focus on decarbonization strategies across industries. EPC consultants can leverage their engineering experience to help clients reduce their carbon footprint by integrating renewable energy, deploying low-carbon technologies like green hydrogen and CCUS, utilizing negative emission solutions like BECCS, and designing sustainable practices. Providing customized solutions for decarbonization initiatives presents a major opportunity area for EPC consulting firms.

EPC Consulting Market Trends

• Adoption of Digital Twins: A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical asset that enables visualization, simulation, and predictive insights to optimize performance. EPC consultants are leveraging digital twins across planning, design, and construction phases to virtually build and test models, identify issues earlier, and enhance productivity. Digital twin adoption is increasing as firms realize benefits such as reduced rework, effective collaboration, proactive maintenance, and integration with IoT data. The adoption of digital twins is a prominent trend in the EPC consulting market.
• Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: EPC consulting firms are entering into partnerships and JVs to combine complementary capabilities, access new markets, and leverage synergies. Strategic tie-ups also provide access to innovative technologies and specialized skillsets. For instance, Worley and Arup formed an alliance to collaborate on projects in Europe and Australia. Partnerships also help pool resources and expertise to bid for large, complex projects. The increasing number of collaborations is a major trend as EPC consultants look to expand their offerings.
• Sustainability and Energy Transition Focus: Stakeholders across the energy value chain are prioritizing business models aligned to global sustainability goals. EPC consultants are developing expertise to support clients on their energy transition journey by providing end-to-end services for renewable energy integration, energy storage, microgrids, hydrogen adoption, biofuels, and circular solutions. Firms are also advising clients on improving energy usage efficiency and adopting sustainable construction practices. The focus on sustainability and energy transition solutions is a pronounced trend in the EPC consulting market.
• Adoption of Modular and Offsite Construction: EPC consultants are increasingly adopting modular and offsite construction techniques as they offer several advantages over traditional onsite building. Prefabricated modules enable parallel activity, better quality control, and reduced waste. EPC firms are leveraging their engineering expertise to design modular components for process plants and infrastructure assets that can be built offsite and speed up onsite installation. Modular construction techniques are enabling firms to deliver projects faster and enhance value for clients.

EPC Consulting Market Restraints

• Cybersecurity Risks: The increasing digitalization and connectivity has also exposed the critical infrastructure projects to heightened cyber risks. EPC consultants handle sensitive client data across the asset lifecycle while also integrating various technology systems. Lack of cybersecurity safeguards can lead to vulnerabilities causing project delays and cost overruns. Firms face challenges in implementing robust cybersecurity practices and ensuring security across supply chains. Addressing cyber risks across diverse projects requires significant investments which restraints market growth.
• Shortage of Skilled Workforce: The EPC consulting domain demands specialized skillsets and extensive industry experience to manage large, complex projects successfully. However, the industry is facing an acute talent shortage as workforce with critical technical skills are retiring while new talent acquisition has slowed down. Shortage of qualified engineers, designers, project managers who can handle large scales programs affects the ability of EPC firms to bid for and deliver major capital projects. Availability of skilled talent continues to restrain growth opportunities.
• Geopolitical Risks and Trade Protectionism: Geopolitical conflicts, trade wars, and sanctions are key risks for EPC consulting firms as they handle projects across different regions and verticals. Issues like supply chain disruptions, inflation, restrictions on technology access can adversely impact execution and cause delays. EPC consultants also face challenges in talent mobility and relocation due to unstable geopolitical dynamics. Geopolitical uncertainties remain a crucial factor restraining market growth for global EPC consulting firms.

Recent Developments

New product launches

• In November 2022, Worley and AVEVA announced the launch of an integrated engineering and operations solution for the energy and process industries. The solution aims to improve capital project delivery and handover to operations through digital workflows.
• In June 2021, Fluor Corporation launched NuScale Power's small modular reactor design, the first to receive design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The launch strengthens Fluor's position in providing nuclear power solutions.
• In January 2020, Aecom introduced a proprietary solution for integrating renewable energy sources into microgrid systems for resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. The solution optimizes project lifecycle costs and energy usage.

Acquisition and partnerships

• In October 2022, Worley partnered with hydrophila.ai, an AI software provider, to enhance digital inspection and measurement of asset performance for energy, chemicals, and resources companies.
• In August 2021, Jacobs acquired BlackLynx, a leading provider of infrastructure asset management in Australia. The acquisition expands Jacobs’ digital capabilities in asset performance modeling.
• In November 2020, Fluor Corporation formed a strategic partnership with IHI Corporation, under which the companies will jointly provide services to liquefied natural gas projects worldwide. The partnership enables both companies to leverage each other's expertise.

Figure 2. Global EPC Consulting Market Share (%), by Service Type, 2023

Top companies in EPC Consulting Market

• Wood plc
• WorleyParsons
• Fluor Corporation
• Aecom
• Jacobs
• SNC-Lavalin
• Hatch Ltd
• Bechtel Corporation
• KBR Inc
• TechnipFMC
• Chicago Bridge & Iron Company
• Hyundai Engineering & Construction
• McDermott International Inc
• National Projects Construction Corporation
• Galfar
• Tecnicas Reunidas
• Saipem
• Daewoo E&C
• Petrofac Ltd
• Samsung Engineering

*Definition: The EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) consulting market involves providing services to support and manage large-scale construction projects such as power plants, oil refineries, mining facilities, and infrastructure systems. EPC consultants offer end-to-end solutions spanning conceptual design, detailed engineering, procurement of equipment and materials, construction management, and handover to operations. Key end-user industries for EPC consulting include oil & gas, chemicals, mining, power, and infrastructure. EPC consulting services help in optimal plant design, cost and schedule control, risk mitigation, ensuring compliance, and driving efficiency during project execution. Leading EPC consulting firms provide proprietary tools and methodologies leveraging technologies such as digital twins, analytics, and automation.

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