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Absorption Chillers Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032

Absorption Chillers Market, By Product (Single-Effect Absorption Chillers, Double-Effect Absorption Chillers, and Triple-Effect Absorption Chillers), By Energy Source (Natural Gas, Steam, Hot Water, and Others (Solar, Waste Heat, etc.)), By Application (Commercial, Industrial, Residential, and Others (District Cooling, etc.)), By Geography (North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa)

  • Historical Range: 2020 - 2024
  • Forecast Period: 2025 - 2032

The Global Absorption Chillers Market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.50 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 2.15 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% from 2025 to 2032.

  Key Takeaways of the Global Absorption Chillers Market

  • In terms of product, the single-effect absorption chillers segment is estimated to contribute 46. 1% share of the market in 2025.
  • In terms of energy source, the natural gas segment is estimated to dominate the global absorption chillers market with 53. 2% share of the market in 2025.
  • In terms of application, the commercial sector segment is estimated to contribute 47. 3% share of the market in 2025.
  • The North America region currently dominates the global absorption chillers market with an estimated 37. 2% share in 2025.

Market Overview

The global absorption chillers market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable cooling solutions across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors.

Absorption Chillers Market Key Factors

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Market Driver

Increasing demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly cooling solutions

The absorption chillers market is witnessing significant growth owing to the rising focus on sustainable construction and lowering of energy consumption globally. With increasing environmental consciousness and stringent regulations regarding carbon footprint, industries, and commercial establishments are actively looking out for greener alternatives to traditional cooling systems.

Compared to conventional vapor compression chillers that use harmful refrigerants such as HCFCs and HFCs, absorption chillers utilize natural refrigerants like water or ammonia which have negligible global warming potential. Moreover, absorption chillers leverage waste heat or solar energy to drive the refrigeration cycle instead of mechanical work. Their ability to utilize low-grade heat sources such as steam, hot water, or flue gases offers businesses and building owners an ideal way to maximize the utilization of renewable/recovered thermal energy and minimize carbon footprint.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

Absorption Chillers Market Concentration By Players

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Impact of AI on the Global Absorption Chillers Market

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the global absorption chillers market by enhancing operational performance, energy efficiency, and product adaptability.

  • Manufacturers in the absorption chillers market are increasingly using AI to improve equipment performance, predict maintenance needs, and boost energy efficiency, as shown by Johnson Controls' AI-based monitoring.
  • AI is enabling significant improvements in absorption chiller efficiency and sustainability through applications like predictive maintenance, with LG Electronics' AI-enabled chillers reducing downtime and saving energy by proactively identifying potential failures.
  • Companies like Trane Technologies are using AI-driven absorption chillers and energy management systems to help clients significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs by dynamically adjusting chiller operations based on real-time demand.

Current Events and their Impact on the Global Absorption Chillers Market

Current Events

Description and its impact

 

 

 

 

Regulatory Shifts in Refrigerant Policies

  • Description: Global regulations are phasing out high-GWP refrigerants, pushing industries to adopt sustainable cooling technologies like absorption chillers.
  • Impact: The EU's F-Gas Regulation mandates a GWP ≥150 refrigerant phase-out by 2027, driving adoption of ammonia-based chillers. India’s Cooling Action Plan targets a full CFC phase-out by 2037, spurring the demand for low-GWP systems in industrial zones. These shifts are also influencing green building norms and public procurement standards across sectors.

 

 Energy Security and Pricing Dynamics

  • Description: Volatile global energy markets and policy incentives are reshaping energy use patterns, encouraging the adoption of cost-effective, energy-efficient technologies like absorption chillers.
  • Impact: The 2025 European gas crisis has intensified concerns about energy security and affordability. Gas prices surged to €45/MWh (US$ 52.08/MWh), prompting industries and households to seek alternatives At the same time, the U.S. introduced tax code K3M2 under the Inflation Reduction Act, offering credits for energy-efficient HVAC systems. These developments are accelerating global adoption of sustainable, low-cost cooling technologies.

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Consumer Behavior Analysis

  • End users across commercial (e.g., hospitals, hotels), industrial (e.g., chemical plants), and emerging residential sectors are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency, sustainability, low operational costs, and system reliability in absorption chillers.
  • While benefits like energy savings and environmental advantages (as seen with Marriott hotels) drive adoption, high upfront investment, complex installation, and reliance on specific heat sources remain key challenges for consumers, particularly for institutions like hospitals.
  • Consumer decisions balance multiple factors including efficiency, initial versus long-term costs, reliability, and eco-friendliness. For instance, hospitality brands such as Hyatt prioritize sustainability for brand reputation, while industrial users like BASF focus on operational safety and minimizing downtime.

Market Trends 

Growing construction industry and infrastructure development in emerging economies

The rapid urbanization and economic growth in developing nations are fueling a significant demand for absorption chillers in new construction and infrastructure. These regions, often characterized by hot climates, benefit from absorption chillers' durability, low maintenance, and ability to use waste heat, making them ideal for both on-grid and off-grid projects. Their 30-40% lower installation costs and reduced operating expenses, combined with supportive government policies, are attracting developers to this energy-efficient cooling solution. Global manufacturers are actively expanding into these high-growth markets to capitalize on this opportunity.

Expansion of the market in the industrial sector, particularly in the food and beverage industry

The industrial sector, especially the food and beverage industry, presents a substantial growth opportunity for absorption chillers. These facilities require extensive and continuous cooling, and absorption chillers offer an attractive solution by utilizing waste heat from their manufacturing processes to power refrigeration. This ability provides a significant advantage over electric alternatives, aligning with growing sustainability goals and carbon reduction efforts in the sector. Customized offerings from manufacturers could further expand their market share within industrial applications.

Thermax, a global leader in energy solutions, has developed customized absorption chiller offerings tailored for food and beverage manufacturers. Their solutions help companies meet sustainability goals by integrating multi-fuel, fully automated heating and cooling systems that optimize energy use.

Market Opportunity: Industrial Adoption and Energy Savings

The global absorption chillers market is seeing significant opportunities driven by increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions, especially in the industrial sector and rapidly urbanizing developing nations. These chillers excel at utilizing waste heat, offering a compelling alternative to conventional electric systems.

 A Germany-based steel plant, FST Industrie GmbH, reduced energy costs by 20% by installing an absorption chiller that recovers waste heat from its furnaces. Similarly, an India-based cement plant achieved a 15% energy cost reduction by using an absorption chiller to recover heat from kiln exhaust gases.

Segment Insights

Absorption Chillers Market by Product

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Global Absorption Chillers Market Insights, by Product

In terms of product, the single-effect absorption chillers segment is estimated to contribute 46.1% share of the market in 2025 owing to their cost effectiveness and efficiency.

Single-effect absorption chillers require less complex refrigeration process compared to double and triple effect systems. This makes the initial capital cost of single-effect chillers significantly lower. Additionally, the operations and maintenance costs are lower due to less moving parts and simpler design. The efficiency of modern single-effect chillers has improved considerably through technological advancements.

Global Absorption Chillers Market Insights, by Energy Source

In terms of energy source, the natural gas segment is estimated to dominate the global absorption chillers market with 53.2% share of the market owing to its widespread availability, established distribution infrastructure and competitive pricing.

Most commercial and industrial facilities are already equipped with natural gas pipelines making it convenient to use for absorption chilling systems. Natural gas produces less greenhouse gas emissions than diesel or fuel oil alternatives when used in absorption coolers. It also offers stable and consistent thermal output required for reliable chiller operations. Some regions also provide subsidies or tax incentives for utilizing natural gas over electricity in industrial cooling systems.

Global Absorption Chillers Market Insights, by Application

In terms of application, the commercial sector segment is estimated to contribute 47.3% share of the market in 2025 owing to exponential growth of commercial real estate in emerging economies.

Rapid urbanization and expansion of services industry has led to construction of large office buildings, retail complexes, hospitals and other commercial establishments worldwide. Proper temperature controls are critical for worker productivity and comfort in commercial facilities. At the same time, rising electricity costs encourage use of alternate technologies like absorption cooling that operate independently of grid supply. Commercial contractors are increasingly selecting absorption chillers to future proof new projects against volatility in energy prices. LEED certified green buildings also push for absorption chilling as it reduces carbon footprint. 

Regional Insights

Absorption Chillers Market Regional Insights

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North America Absorption Chillers Market Trends

The North America region currently dominates the global absorption chillers market with an estimated 37.2% share in 2025. The large-scale presence of various industries such as commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, and manufacturing facilities is driving significant demand for absorption chillers in the region.

Stringent regulations regarding energy usage and carbon emissions are compelling building owners and facility managers to replace outdated HVAC systems with more energy-efficient absorption chillers.

Asia Pacific Absorption Chillers Industry Trends and Growth Forecast

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest-growing market for absorption chillers globally. Rapid urbanization and industrialization are leading to increased construction of large commercial buildings and manufacturing plants across countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations.

Moreover, governments of developing nations are focusing on strengthening their domestic manufacturing industries through various incentives and policies. Many local absorption chiller manufacturers are leveraging on these supportive conditions to increase their production volumes and cater to the rising installation needs. The relatively lower manufacturing and material costs compared to North America and Europe are making Asian absorption chillers more price competitive in their home markets as well as export destinations. This is expected to propel the Asia Pacific region to the forefront of the global absorption chillers industry over the coming years.

U.S. Absorption Chillers Market Trends and Analysis

The U.S. accounts for the majority of the North American market owing to the size of its commercial real estate and manufacturing industries. Additionally, growing awareness about the financial and environmental benefits of absorption chillers is encouraging new installations, especially in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.

Several state and local governments offer rebates and tax incentives for adopting renewable energy-based cooling solutions like absorption chillers. This is further boosting their popularity and consolidating the North American leadership in the global market.

India Absorption Chillers Market Trends

India Absorption Chillers Market is growing due to rapid urbanization, increased construction, and a strong push for energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions, particularly benefiting from the ability of absorption chillers to use waste heat. This trend is further supported by government initiatives promoting green financing and environmental compliance, making absorption chillers an attractive investment for developers across India.

Emerging Applications

  • Beyond traditional uses, absorption chillers are finding new applications like solar-powered cooling in off-grid industrial parks e.g., Johnson Controls' California installation and decarbonizing food and beverage processing by using waste heat or biogas e.g., Unilever and Nestlé trials.
  • The market is also expanding into direct-fired chillers for petrochemical facilities, where they efficiently convert waste flare gas into cooling e.g., ExxonMobil in Permian Basin, representing a significant growth opportunity.
  • Looking ahead, hydrogen production cooling using liquid hydrogen as a refrigerant, naval marine applications using engine exhaust heat on ships, and residential solar cooling clusters are promising future niches with high-margin potential for early movers.

Market Report Scope

Absorption Chillers Market Report Coverage

Report Coverage Details
Base Year: 2024 Market Size in 2025: USD 1.50 Bn
Historical Data for: 2020 To 2024 Forecast Period: 2025 To 2032
Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: 5.3% 2032 Value Projection: USD 2.15 Bn
Geographies covered:
  • North America: U.S. and Canada
  • Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America
  • Europe: Germany, U.K., Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East: GCC Countries, Israel, and Rest of Middle East
  • Africa: South Africa, North Africa, and Central Africa
Segments covered:
  • By Product: Single-Effect Absorption Chillers, Double-Effect Absorption Chillers, and Triple-Effect Absorption Chillers
  • By Energy Source: Natural Gas, Steam, Hot Water, and Others (Solar, Waste Heat, etc.)
  • By Application: Commercial, Industrial, Residential, and Others (District Cooling, etc.) 
Companies covered:

Broad Air Conditioning Co., Ltd., Carrier Corporation, EAW Energieanlagenbau GmbH, Ebara Corporation, Frigel Firenze S.p.A., Hitachi Appliances, Inc., Johnson Controls International plc, Kawasaki Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd., LG Electronics Inc., Robur Corporation, Shuangliang Eco-Energy Systems Co., Ltd., Shuangliang Clyde Bergemann GmbH, Thermax Limited, Trane Inc., and Yazaki Corporation

Growth Drivers:
  • Increasing demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly cooling solutions
  • Growing construction industry and infrastructure development in emerging economies
Restraints & Challenges:
  • Complexity in operation and maintenance of absorption chillers
  • High initial investment and installation costs

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Global Absorption Chillers Market Industry News

  • On February 6, 2025, Carrier Global Corporation launched QuantumLeap, a tailored suite of solutions aimed at meeting the growing demands from the data center sector.
  • In September 2024, Carrier unveiled its new screw chillers. The Eurovent- and AHRI-certified AquaForce 30XF high performance chillers were launched specifically for data center applications.
  • In May 2024, Carrier Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Limited (“Carrier India”) announced the launch of the Made in India – 30 RB Air-Cooled Modular Scroll Chiller. 
  • In February 2024, Daikin, a Japan-based air conditioner manufacturer, announced the launch of its new air-cooled chiller. The new R32 cooling-only chillers feature a scroll compressor with an impressive load capacity of 1010 kW for industrial, IT, process, and comfort cooling applications.

Analyst View

  • The absorption chillers market is set for stable growth as industries prioritize sustainable cooling, with sectors like food and beverage leveraging waste heat for cost-effective operations.
  • While high upfront costs continue to limit adoption, ongoing R&D aimed at improving efficiency and affordability will open up opportunities in cost-sensitive regions.
  • With the U.S. pushing infrastructure upgrades and green energy goals, suppliers should target hybrid solar-thermal models and focus on after-sales support to capture public sector demand.

Market Segmentation

  • Product Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
    • Single-Effect Absorption Chillers
    • Double-Effect Absorption Chillers
    • Triple-Effect Absorption Chillers
  • Energy Source Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
    • Natural Gas
    • Steam
    • Hot Water
    • Others (Solar, Waste Heat, etc.)
  • Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
    • Commercial
    • Industrial
    • Residential
    • Others (District Cooling, etc.)
  • Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032)
    • North America
      • U.S.
      • Canada
    • Latin America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Mexico
      • Rest of Latin America
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • U.K.
      • Spain
      • France
      • Italy
      • Russia
      • Rest of Europe
    • Asia Pacific
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Australia
      • South Korea
      • ASEAN
      • Rest of Asia Pacific
    • Middle East
      • GCC Countries
      • Israel
      • Rest of Middle East
    • Africa
      • South Africa
      • North Africa
      • Central Africa
  • Key Players Insights
    • Broad Air Conditioning Co., Ltd.
    • Carrier Corporation
    • EAW Energieanlagenbau GmbH
    • Ebara Corporation
    • Frigel Firenze S.p.A.
    • Hitachi Appliances, Inc.
    • Johnson Controls International plc
    • Kawasaki Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd.
    • LG Electronics Inc.
    • Robur Corporation
    • Shuangliang Eco-Energy Systems Co., Ltd.
    • Shuangliang Clyde Bergemann GmbH
    • Thermax Limited
    • Trane Inc.
    • Yazaki Corporation

Source

  Public Domain Sources:

  • International Energy Agency (IEA)
  • U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • European Commission Energy Portal
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Magazines:

  • Chiller & Cooling Magazine
  • Cooling India Magazine
  • Refrigeration World Magazine
  • Others

Journals:

  • International Journal of Refrigeration
  • Journal of Energy Resources Technology
  • Applied Thermal Engineering Journal
  • Others

Newspapers:

  • The Economic Times
  • The Wall Street Journal
  • Financial Times
  • Business Standard
  • Others

Associations:

  • Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  • European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE)
  • International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR)
  • Others

Proprietary Elements:

  • CMI Data Analytics Tool
  • Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of Information for Last 8 Years

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About Author

Ramprasad Bhute is a Senior Research Consultant with over 6 years of experience in market research and business consulting. He manages consulting and market research projects centered on go-to-market strategy, opportunity analysis, competitive landscape, and market size estimation and forecasting. He also advises clients on identifying and targeting absolute opportunities to penetrate untapped markets.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The absorption chillers market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.50 Bn in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.15 Bn by 2032.

The CAGR of the absorption chillers market is projected to be 5.3% from 2025 to 2032.

Increasing demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly cooling solutions and growing construction industry and infrastructure development in emerging economies are the major factors driving the growth of global absorption chillers market.

Complexity in operation and maintenance of absorption chillers and high initial investment and installation costs are the major factors hampering the growth of global absorption chillers market.

In terms of product, single-effect absorption chillers is estimated to dominate the market revenue share in 2025.

Broad Air Conditioning Co., Ltd., Carrier Corporation, EAW Energieanlagenbau GmbH, Ebara Corporation, Frigel Firenze S.p.A., Hitachi Appliances, Inc., Johnson Controls International plc, Kawasaki Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd., LG Electronics Inc., Robur Corporation, Shuangliang Eco-Energy Systems Co., Ltd., Shuangliang Clyde Bergemann GmbH, Thermax Limited, Trane Inc., and Yazaki Corporation are the major players.

North America is expected to lead the global absorption chillers market in 2025.

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