United States (USA) Flue Gas Desulfurization Market Overview, 2031

Key Insights

• According to the research report, "United Stated Flue Gas Desulfurization Market Outlook, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the United States Flue Gas Desulfurization Market is anticipated to grow at more than 3.76% CAGR from 2026 to 2031.
• The U.S. Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) market continues to be driven by stringent environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act, including the EPA's revised sulfur dioxide (SO₂) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), updated Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) guidance, and Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs), which encourage utilities and industrial facilities to modernize existing emission-control systems.
• The United States operated approximately 172 GW of coal-fired generating capacity across about 219 utility-scale coal-fired power plants in 2025, providing one of the world's largest installed bases for Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems and supporting continued demand for retrofit, maintenance, and lifecycle upgrades.
• Wet Flue Gas Desulfurization (Wet FGD) remains the preferred technology for large coal-fired utility boilers in the United States because it typically achieves sulfur dioxide (SO₂) removal efficiencies exceeding 90% while producing synthetic gypsum that can be utilized in wallboard manufacturing and other industrial applications.
• In December 2025, ANDRITZ secured a contract from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to supply two Spray Dry Absorber (SDA) systems for the Shawnee Fossil Plant in Kentucky, highlighting continued investment in upgrading emission-control infrastructure at existing U.S. coal-fired power stations.

Market Outlook

• The U.S. Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) market is evolving as utilities and industrial operators prioritize emission compliance, asset modernization, and lifecycle optimization of existing pollution-control systems. While new coal-fired power plant construction remains limited, the country continues to operate one of the world's largest installed fleets of FGD-equipped generating units, supporting sustained demand for system upgrades, replacement equipment, and aftermarket services.
• Coal-fired power generation continues to provide a significant operating base for FGD technologies. As of 2025, the United States operated approximately 172 GW of coal-fired generating capacity, with around 219 utility-scale coal-fired power plants nationwide. According to the U.S. EPA's Steam Electric Power Generating industry profile, 105 generating units across 54 coal-fired power plants operate wet FGD systems, representing approximately 66 GW of generating capacity, while additional plants utilize dry FGD technologies.
• Federal environmental regulations remain a key driver of the market. EPA actions, including the revised secondary sulfur dioxide (SO₂) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), updated Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) implementation guidance, and amendments to the Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs), continue to encourage utilities to modernize emission-control infrastructure, improve wastewater treatment systems, and maintain compliance with evolving environmental requirements.
• Wet limestone FGD remains the preferred technology for large coal-fired utility boilers because it routinely achieves SO₂ removal efficiencies exceeding 90%, while producing marketable gypsum as a by-product for use in wallboard manufacturing. Dry and semi-dry FGD technologies continue to be deployed at selected industrial facilities and lower-capacity generating units where operating conditions and capital requirements favor these systems.
• The U.S. FGD market is increasingly characterized by retrofit projects and aftermarket opportunities rather than Greenfield installations. Utilities continue to invest in absorber refurbishment, slurry pumps, mist eliminators, oxidation air systems, gypsum dewatering equipment, instrumentation upgrades, and maintenance services to enhance reliability and extend the operational life of aging FGD installations. Recent delays in planned coal plant retirements have also helped sustain investment in existing emission-control infrastructure.

Policies & Regulatory Landscape

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a revised primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) on June 22, 2010, establishing a 1-hour standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) to better protect public health from short-term SO₂ exposure. In December 2024, EPA revised the secondary SO₂ standard to an annual average of 10 ppb, replacing the previous secondary standard of 0.5 ppm averaged over 3 hours to enhance protection against ecological impacts.
• In December 2025, the EPA finalized amendments to the Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines (ELGs), extending compliance deadlines for direct discharging coal-fired power plants. The rule delays the implementation of zero-discharge requirements for Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) wastewater, Bottom Ash (BA) transport water, and Combustion Residual Leachate (CRL), providing utilities with an additional five years to comply with wastewater treatment requirements.
• On September 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $625 million investment initiative to strengthen the nation's coal sector through advanced coal technologies, infrastructure modernization, improved grid reliability, and economic support for coal-producing communities. The initiative aims to enhance the performance, resilience, and long-term viability of existing coal-fired power generation assets while supporting domestic energy security.
• On October 31, 2025, the DOE issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) offering up to $100 million in federal funding for projects that refurbish, retrofit, and modernize existing coal-fired power plants. The funding supports the design, implementation, testing, and validation of technologies that improve plant efficiency, operational flexibility, reliability, and environmental performance, including advanced emission-control systems.
• In November 2025, the EPA updated its streamlined Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) demonstration guidance for the revised secondary annual SO₂ National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The updated guidance simplifies permitting requirements for new and modified industrial facilities while maintaining compliance with the Clean Air Act, supporting more efficient implementation of air quality regulations.

FGD Procurement & Industry Impact

• The U.S. FGD procurement market is increasingly driven by retrofit, modernization, and lifecycle replacement projects rather than large-scale Greenfield installations. Utilities and industrial operators continue to invest in upgrading aging FGD assets to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance with evolving EPA air and wastewater regulations.
• Demand remains steady for critical FGD equipment including spray dry absorbers (SDAs), wet absorbers, reaction tanks, slurry pumps, mist eliminators, oxidation air systems, gypsum dewatering equipment, and advanced process control technologies. Replacement of wear-prone components and periodic maintenance continue to represent a significant share of procurement spending.
• Industrial facilities including cement plants, refineries, iron & steel mills, chemical processing plants, and waste-to-energy facilities continue to generate procurement opportunities for FGD systems and emission-control upgrades as they maintain compliance with federal and state air-quality regulations.
• The EPA's updated Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) guidance and continued enforcement of Clean Air Act requirements are expected to support future investments in emission-control technologies by streamlining permitting for eligible projects while maintaining environmental compliance standards.
• The U.S. aftermarket remains one of the largest revenue contributors for FGD suppliers, with ongoing demand for spare parts, consumables, maintenance services, inspections, and system upgrades across the country's extensive installed base of coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities.

Industry News

• In December 2025, ANDRITZ secured a contract from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to supply two advanced Spray Dry Absorber (SDA) systems for Boiler Units 8 and 9 at the Shawnee Fossil Plant in Paducah, Kentucky. The project, valued in the mid double-digit million-euro range, will help TVA comply with the U.S. EPA's Regional Haze Rule while expanding the site's existing ANDRITZ FGD installations.
• In December 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized amendments to the Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines (ELGs), extending compliance deadlines for Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) wastewater, Bottom Ash (BA) transport water, and Combustion Residual Leachate (CRL). The rule provides direct-discharging coal-fired power plants with additional time to implement zero-discharge wastewater treatment technologies.
• On September 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $625 million investment initiative to strengthen the nation's coal sector through advanced coal technologies, infrastructure modernization, improved grid reliability, and economic support for coal-producing communities. The initiative supports continued investment in environmental control technologies at existing coal-fired generating stations.
• On October 31, 2025, the DOE issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) providing up to $100 million for refurbishment, retrofit, modernization, testing, and validation of existing coal-fired power plants. The program encourages deployment of technologies that improve operational efficiency, flexibility, reliability, and environmental performance, including advanced emission-control systems.
• In November 2025, the EPA updated its streamlined Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) demonstration guidance for the revised secondary annual sulfur dioxide (SO₂) National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The updated guidance is intended to simplify permitting for eligible projects while maintaining Clean Air Act compliance requirements.
• In December 2024, the EPA finalized a revised secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for sulfur dioxide (SO₂), replacing the previous 3-hour standard with an annual standard of 10 parts per billion (ppb). The revision is designed to strengthen protection of ecosystems from sulfur deposition and may influence future emission-control investments across coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities.
• In its November 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected coal-fired power plants to generate approximately 17% of U.S. electricity in 2025, supported by higher natural gas prices and stable electricity demand. The continued operation of the existing coal-fired generation fleet supports ongoing operation, maintenance, and lifecycle upgrades of installed Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems.

Segment Analysis

United States Flue Gas Desulfurization Market By Technology
• Wet Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems remain the leading SO₂ control technology for large U.S. coal-fired power plants due to their high efficiency and reliability. Wet scrubbers typically remove more than 90% of SO₂ while producing synthetic gypsum used in wallboard manufacturing. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. operated approximately 172 GW of coal-fired generating capacity across about 219 utility-scale coal plants in 2025, supporting one of the world's largest installed FGD bases. Recent EPA updates to SO₂ air quality standards and wastewater regulations continue to drive modernization and lifecycle upgrades of existing systems.
• Spray Dry Absorber (SDA) systems are widely deployed at medium-capacity power plants, industrial boilers, cement plants, and waste-to-energy facilities due to their lower water consumption and simpler operation. In December 2025, ANDRITZ secured a contract from TVA to install two SDA systems at the Shawnee Fossil Plant, reflecting continued investment in upgrading U.S. emission-control infrastructure.
• Dry and Semi-Dry FGD technologies are commonly used in smaller power plants and industrial facilities, including cement, chemical, metal smelting, and waste-to-energy sectors. These systems generally achieve 50–80% SO₂ removal and are favored for retrofit projects because of their compact design, lower water requirements, and cost-effective installation.

United States Flue Gas Desulfurization Market By End-use Industry • Power Generation remains the dominant end-use sector for Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems in the United States, supported by the country's extensive coal-fired power fleet. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. operated approximately 172 GW of coal-fired generating capacity across about 219 utility-scale coal power plants in 2025. Utilities continue investing in FGD modernization, wastewater treatment upgrades, and emission-control retrofits to comply with EPA regulations, including the Clean Air Act, SO₂ National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs).
• Cement and Iron & Steel industries represent key industrial applications for FGD systems due to sulfur emissions from kilns, coke ovens, blast furnaces, and sinter plants. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. cement shipments totaled 103 million metric tons in 2024. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported U.S. raw steel production of approximately 89.3 million net tons in 2025. Ongoing modernization projects and stricter environmental regulations continue to support investments in industrial flue gas treatment technologies.
• Refineries and Chemical & Petrochemical facilities utilize FGD and related sulfur recovery systems to control SO₂ emissions from boilers, heaters, and process units. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States operated 132 operable refineries as of January 1, 2025, with operable atmospheric distillation capacity totaling 18.2 million barrels per calendar day. Environmental compliance and plant modernization continue to drive demand for emission-control upgrades.
• Metal Smelting, Waste-to-Energy, and Other Industries continue to adopt FGD technologies to meet federal and state emission standards. Dry and semi-dry FGD systems are widely used at municipal waste-to-energy plants and non-ferrous metal smelters because of their lower water consumption and suitability for medium-scale industrial applications. Continued industrial retrofits and tighter air-quality requirements are supporting steady demand for flue gas treatment systems across these sectors.
United States Flue Gas Desulfurization Market By Installation Type • Brownfield Installations dominate the U.S. FGD market as utilities and industrial operators prioritize upgrading existing emission-control systems over building new facilities. Investments are focused on absorber modernization, slurry pumps, mist eliminators, process controls, and wastewater treatment upgrades to comply with evolving EPA regulations, including the revised Steam Electric Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) and updated SO₂ National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). In December 2025, the EPA extended compliance deadlines for FGD wastewater treatment, while the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched a $100 million Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support refurbishment and modernization of existing coal-fired power plants, further encouraging retrofit projects.
• Greenfield Installations represent a smaller portion of the U.S. market due to limited construction of new coal-fired power plants. New FGD systems are primarily installed at industrial facilities such as cement plants, refineries, chemical processing units, waste-to-energy plants, and metal smelters, where emission-control technologies are incorporated into new projects to meet federal and state environmental regulations. Consequently, future demand for Greenfield FGD installations is expected to remain concentrated within industrial expansion rather than utility-scale power generation.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031



Aspects covered in this report
• Flue Gas Desulfurization Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Technology
• Wet FGD Systems
• Spray Dry FGD Systems
• Dry & Semi-Dry FGD Systems

By End-use Industry
• Power Generation
• Cement
• Iron & Steel
• Chemical & Petrochemical
• Metal Processing & Mining
• Oil & Gas Refineries
• Waste-to-Energy
• Others

By Installation
• Greenfield
• Brownfield (Retrofit)