Francis Turbine Pumps Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Application (Irrigation Schemes, Cooling Water, Drainage & Flood Control, Others), By End-Use (Agriculture & Lift Irrigation, Building Services, Power, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.21 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.11%
Fastest Growing Segment	Building Services
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.98 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Francis Turbine Pumps Market will grow from USD 2.21 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.98 Billion by 2031 at a 5.11% CAGR. Francis turbine pumps are specialized reversible hydraulic machines designed to operate as both turbines for electricity generation and pumps for water replenishment, serving as the core technology in pumped-storage hydroelectricity systems. The expansion of this market is primarily driven by the critical global requirement for large-scale energy storage solutions to balance the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Additionally, the urgent need to enhance grid stability and frequency control supports the widespread deployment of these dual-function units, distinct from technological trends like digitalization.

However, the market encounters a significant challenge regarding the substantial upfront capital expenditure and prolonged gestation periods associated with civil engineering works, which can impede rapid project implementation. Despite these financial barriers, the sector exhibits strong long-term potential due to the escalating demand for reliable energy infrastructure. According to the International Hydropower Association, in 2025, the global development pipeline for pumped storage hydropower projects comprised approximately 600 GW of capacity, reflecting sustained industrial commitment to this technology.

Key Market Drivers

The expansion of Global Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) capacity acts as the primary catalyst for the Francis turbine pumps market, fundamentally driven by the technology's dominance in high-head reversible operations. As nations accelerate their transition to net-zero energy systems, Francis turbines are increasingly deployed in closed-loop PSH facilities to function as "water batteries," managing the storage of surplus electricity. This momentum is evidenced by robust capacity additions; according to the International Hydropower Association, in June 2025, in the '2025 World Hydropower Outlook', the global sector commissioned 8.4 GW of new pumped storage hydropower capacity in 2024. This physical expansion directly correlates with a surge in procurement orders for large-scale pump-turbine units, particularly in regions like East Asia where grid flexibility is a strategic priority.

Simultaneously, the integration of variable renewable energy into power grids is reshaping the technical requirements for these machines, necessitating advanced designs that can handle rapid load fluctuations from wind and solar sources. This grid instability drives the adoption of variable-speed Francis pump-turbines, which offer wider operating ranges and faster response times compared to conventional fixed-speed units. Highlighting this technological shift, according to Andritz, in December 2024, the company officially commissioned two variable-speed units at the Hebei Fengning Pumped Storage Power Station, marking a significant milestone in grid-stabilizing infrastructure. Furthermore, the market is supported by the refurbishment of existing assets; according to Voith, in September 2025, the company completed the second turbine upgrade at New Zealand's Roxburgh hydropower station, ensuring continued operational efficiency for legacy infrastructure.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial upfront capital expenditure and prolonged gestation periods associated with civil engineering works significantly impede the growth of the Global Francis Turbine Pumps Market. These projects require heavy initial investment and take many years to complete before generating revenue, which increases the financial risk for investors and utility companies. Consequently, securing financing becomes difficult, leading to delays in final investment decisions and slowing the procurement of necessary hydraulic machinery.

This economic burden directly affects the installation rate of these reversible units, causing the actual deployment to lag behind the planned capacity. The impact of such resource constraints is evident in the slow pace of infrastructure commissioning compared to global targets. According to the International Hydropower Association, in 2024, the global hydropower sector added only 13.7 GW of new capacity during the previous year, a figure that falls substantially short of the estimated annual requirement to meet net-zero goals. This restricted growth trajectory highlights how capital and time intensity act as primary constraints on the market expansion.

Key Market Trends

The Global Francis Turbine Pumps Market is increasingly defined by a Strategic Focus on Refurbishment and Modernization of Aging Assets, driven by the necessity to extend the operational life of legacy infrastructure. As the global hydropower fleet matures, operators are prioritizing comprehensive upgrades to restore generating capacity and improve efficiency, offering a cost-effective alternative to the extensive civil works required for greenfield projects. This trend addresses the critical challenge of asset degradation in older systems, shifting investment toward life-extension programs. According to the International Hydropower Association, October 2025, in the '2025 World Hydropower Outlook', nearly 40% of hydropower plants globally are at least 40 years old, underscoring the urgent industrial requirement for large-scale modernization initiatives to maintain energy security.

Concurrently, there is a significant Development of Fish-Friendly and Environmentally Sustainable Designs, responding to stringent environmental regulations and the global imperative for biodiversity preservation. Manufacturers are innovating hydraulic designs with modified runner geometries, such as blunt leading edges and reduced shear stress, to ensure the safe downstream passage of aquatic life while maintaining high power generation standards. This technological evolution allows hydropower plants to operate in ecologically sensitive regions with minimal biological impact. Highlighting the operational viability of these solutions, according to Natel Energy, October 2024, the company's FishSafe Monroe plant achieved 100% turbine availability during the 2024 irrigation season, proving that wildlife-safe designs can deliver reliable performance comparable to conventional turbines.

Segmental Insights

The Building Services segment is currently emerging as the fastest-growing category within the Global Francis Turbine Pumps Market, driven primarily by rapid global urbanization and substantial investments in commercial infrastructure. As the construction of high-rise residential complexes and large commercial centers accelerates, there is a critical demand for efficient, high-capacity water management systems. These pumps are increasingly essential for robust applications such as district cooling, HVAC networks, and large-scale water distribution. This sustained surge in construction activity necessitates the hydraulic efficiency and reliability offered by Francis turbine pumps, thereby fuelling the segment's dynamic expansion.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific holds the leading position in the Global Francis Turbine Pumps market due to extensive investments in hydropower infrastructure across China and India. The region faces rising electricity demand from rapid urbanization and industrial expansion, prompting governments to prioritize renewable energy projects. Reports from the International Hydropower Association confirm that this region consistently accounts for the majority of new capacity additions. Consequently, the need for reliable power generation in medium-head plants drives the widespread adoption of Francis turbines, cementing Asia Pacific’s dominance in the global sector.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Voith Hydro announced the successful completion of Factory Acceptance Tests for critical components destined for the Snowy 2.0 pumped storage project in Australia. These tests verified the performance of the advanced reversible Francis pump-turbines designed to meet the project's demanding hydraulic conditions. Snowy 2.0 represents a significant expansion of the existing hydroelectric scheme, connecting two dams via underground tunnels to create a massive energy storage system. The validation of this equipment highlighted the company's technological leadership in delivering robust solutions for large-scale, complex renewable energy storage infrastructure.
• In May 2025, a subsidiary of Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation finalized the delivery and installation of hydropower generation equipment for the Ninghai Pumped-Storage Power Plant in China. The project involved the supply of four 350 MW reversible Francis pump-turbines along with associated balance-of-plant systems. This milestone marked the commencement of full commercial operations for the plant, which is positioned to play a key role in balancing grid loads. The facility utilizes the pump-turbines to store energy during off-peak periods, thereby supporting the stability of the power grid and facilitating the integration of renewable energy.
• In December 2024, GE Vernova secured a contract to modernize the Saluda Hydro power plant located in South Carolina, United States. The project scope included the replacement of aging turbine units with the company's specialized aerating Francis turbine technology. This innovative solution was designed to oxygenate the water passing through the turbines, thereby increasing dissolved oxygen levels to improve the water quality of the Saluda River. Beyond environmental benefits, the modernization was intended to extend the service life of the historic plant and ensure the continued reliability of its power generation capabilities for the region.
• In April 2024, Andritz was selected by a major renewable energy company as the main contractor for the upgrade of the Cruachan pumped storage power plant in Scotland. The comprehensive scope of the contract involved the supply of two new generating units, which included reversible pump turbines and motor generators, as well as the provision of main inlet valves. This strategic modernization project aimed to significantly enhance the facility's operational efficiency and extend its lifespan. As one of the few pumped storage plants in the United Kingdom, the Cruachan facility plays a vital role in maintaining national energy security and grid stability.

Key Market Players

• General Electric Company
• Toshiba Corporation
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• KSB SE & Co. KGaA
• Wilo SE
• SPX FLOW, Inc.
• Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA
• Hitachi Energy Ltd.

By Application	By End-Use	By Region
Irrigation Schemes Cooling Water Drainage & Flood Control Others	Agriculture & Lift Irrigation Building Services Power Oil & Gas Chemical Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Francis Turbine Pumps Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Francis Turbine Pumps Market, By Application:

• Irrigation Schemes
• Cooling Water
• Drainage & Flood Control
• Others

• Francis Turbine Pumps Market, By End-Use:

• Agriculture & Lift Irrigation
• Building Services
• Power
• Oil & Gas
• Chemical
• Others

• Francis Turbine Pumps Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE