China Steam Boiler System Market Overview, 2030

China's steam boiler system market has experienced significant growth, propelled by its rapid industrialization and the continuous expansion of its manufacturing and processing sectors. The nation's immense energy demand, fueled by both industrial and domestic consumption, has necessitated substantial investment in power generation, with thermal power plants historically relying heavily on steam boilers. Government policies supporting industrial development, coupled with relatively low raw material and labor costs, have further solidified China's position as a lucrative manufacturing hub. The market faces considerable challenges. The competitive landscape is fragmented, with over 300 boiler manufacturers by 2020, leading to a low market concentration ratio, a prevalence of outdated technologies among smaller players, and generally low gross profit margins. Coal-fired boilers, while historically dominant due to their lower cost, pose significant environmental pollution challenges. This has led to the implementation of stringent environmental regulations and a government-backed push to replace coal-fired boilers with cleaner alternatives like natural gas and electric boilers, particularly in developed regions and cities with established gas pipeline infrastructure. Steam boiler systems are closed vessels that heat water to produce steam, primarily used as a heat source, for power generation, or to drive mechanical processes across various industries. The market's growth is largely driven by ongoing industrialization, the escalating global demand for energy-efficient solutions, and increasingly stringent regulatory mandates regarding emissions. Low-pressure boilers are typically used for heating, while medium and high-pressure boilers are crucial for industrial processes and power generation. Capacity also varies, from small boilers suitable for commercial buildings to medium and large-scale industrial boilers and utility boilers capable of generating millions of pounds of steam for power plants.

According to the research report “China Steam Boilers System Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the China Steam Boilers System market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.59% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Coal-fired boilers, while historically dominant due to their lower cost, pose significant environmental pollution challenges. This has led to the implementation of stringent environmental regulations and a government-backed push to replace coal-fired boilers with cleaner alternatives like natural gas and electric boilers, particularly in developed regions and cities with established gas pipeline infrastructure. Key players in the Chinese market include prominent domestic manufacturers such as Dongfang Boiler Group Co., Ltd., Harbin Boiler Company Limited, Shanghai Boiler Works Co., Ltd., and Hangzhou Boiler Group Co., Ltd., among others. These companies are actively engaged in product innovation, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The emphasis on modular boiler designs is also growing, offering flexibility and ease of installation. Actionable recommendations for market participants include prioritizing investment in R&D for cleaner and more efficient boiler technologies, exploring mergers and acquisitions to consolidate market share and enhance technological capabilities, and aligning product portfolios with government environmental policies. Investors and stakeholders should look towards companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to decarbonization and are developing solutions for alternative fuels and smart boiler management systems. Advanced control systems, often incorporating Programmable Logic Controllers and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, are becoming standard, enabling automated operation, remote monitoring, and real-time data analysis. This allows for precise adjustments to boiler operations based on heat load, significantly optimizing fuel consumption and overall efficiency. Investors should target companies demonstrating strong R&D capabilities in clean technologies, robust digital integration, and a clear strategy for navigating China's evolving energy policy landscape. Stakeholders, including government bodies, should continue to provide incentives for the adoption of energy-efficient and low-emission boiler technologies and support the development of a robust clean energy supply chain to accelerate the transition away from traditional fossil fuels.

Coal-Fired boilers have dominated the market due to the abundant and low-cost supply of coal within the country. Coal-fired boilers were the backbone of China's rapid industrial growth and power generation. However, driven by severe air pollution concerns and ambitious decarbonization goals, the Chinese government has initiated a strong push away from coal. This has led to widespread closures of smaller, less efficient coal-fired boilers and a significant drive to replace them with cleaner alternatives. Gas-Fired boilers are rapidly gaining prominence as the preferred alternative. The expansion of natural gas infrastructure, including the West-East Gas Transmission Project, has made natural gas more accessible and economically viable in many regions. Gas-fired boilers offer higher thermal efficiency, faster steam production, and significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to coal, aligning with China's environmental objectives. While Oil-Fired boilers exist, their usage is less prevalent compared to coal and natural gas, often limited by fluctuating oil prices and environmental considerations. Biomass-Fired boilers are also seeing increased adoption, particularly in agricultural and rural areas, as China seeks to leverage its vast agricultural waste for energy production. These boilers offer a renewable energy solution and contribute to waste management. Electric boilers, while offering zero on-site emissions, are less common for large-scale industrial applications due to high electricity costs and strain on the grid, but their use is increasing in smaller commercial and heating applications, especially with the push for clean heating. Other nascent technologies like Hydrogen-Fired and Hybrid boilers are in early stages of development and deployment, representing future directions for the market as China continues its quest for cleaner energy solutions.

Water-tube boilers are characterized by water flowing inside the tubes, which are surrounded by hot combustion gases. This design allows for rapid steam generation at very high pressures and temperatures, making them ideal for large-scale industrial applications such as power generation, petrochemicals, and heavy manufacturing. Their superior efficiency and ability to handle high pressures mean they hold the largest market share in terms of installed capacity, especially in sectors demanding continuous, high-volume steam. The robust construction of water-tube boilers also makes them more resilient to operational demands in heavy industries. Fire-Tube Boilers have hot combustion gases passing through tubes that are submerged in a vessel of water. These boilers are generally simpler in design, less expensive, and require less maintenance, making them suitable for smaller steam requirements and lower pressure applications. They are commonly found in commercial settings, light industries, and heating applications where the demand for steam is not as intense or continuous as in heavy industries. Many industrial facilities in China utilized fire-tube boilers due to their ease of operation and lower initial cost. The push for higher efficiency and capacity in modern industrial processes has seen a gradual shift towards water-tube designs for new large-scale projects. Electric Boilers heat water using electric resistance elements, producing steam with no direct emissions at the point of use. They are highly efficient, quiet, and require minimal maintenance. While their operating costs can be higher due to electricity prices, they are increasingly being adopted in regions with strict emission controls or where natural gas infrastructure is limited, particularly for smaller commercial heating and specialized industrial applications. In China, water-tube boilers are undoubtedly the most used type, especially within the power generation and heavy industrial sectors, driven by the need for high-pressure, high-capacity steam.

The 10–150 BHP segment accounts for a significant portion of the market, particularly in small to medium-sized enterprises, commercial buildings, and light manufacturing industries such as food processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and laundries. These boilers are favored for their compact size, relatively lower initial investment, and suitability for moderate steam or hot water production. They offer operational flexibility and are often designed for quick startup, making them attractive for businesses with varying load requirements. The 151–300 BHP and 301–600 BHP segments represent medium-capacity boilers, serving a broader range of industrial applications. These are commonly employed in industries with higher and more continuous steam demands, including larger food and beverage facilities, chemical plants, and some segments of the pulp and paper industry. The choice within these ranges often depends on the specific process requirements, desired efficiency, and plant size. Boilers in the Above 600 BHP category represent large-scale industrial and utility boilers. This segment is dominated by heavy industries and the power generation sector, including thermal power plants, large-scale chemical complexes, oil and gas refineries, and steel mills. These high-capacity boilers are designed for generating substantial amounts of high-pressure, high-temperature steam for electricity generation and intensive industrial processes. In the Chinese market, while the lower BHP ranges hold a large number of units due to the sheer volume of SMEs and commercial establishments, the Above 600 BHP segment accounts for a substantial share in terms of overall steam generation capacity and market value, driven by massive investments in the power and heavy industrial sectors. The specific horsepower widely used in China is highly dependent on the industry. Textile and food industries might primarily utilize boilers in the 10-600 BHP range, whereas power generation and large chemical plants will almost exclusively rely on boilers exceeding 600 BHP.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Steam Boiler Systems 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 Fuel Type
• Coal-Fired
• Oil-Fired
• Gas-Fired
• Biomass-Fired
• Electric
• Others(Hydrogen-Fired,Hybrid)

By Boiler Type
• Fire-Tube Boilers
• Water-Tube Boilers
• Electric Boilers

By Horsepower
• 10–150 BHP
• 151–300 BHP
• 301–600 BHP
• Above 600 BHP Show more