Electric Boiler Market Size, Share, & Forecast by Capacity (Up to 10 MW, 10–50 MW, Above 50 MW), Application (Industrial, Commercial, Residential), Voltage Rating, and Geography – Global Forecast to 2036

What is the Electric Boiler Market Size?

The global electric boiler market was valued at USD 10.78 billion in 2025. This market is expected to reach approximately USD 29.3 billion by 2036 from USD 11.81 billion in 2026, at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2026 to 2036. The growth of the overall electric boiler market is driven by the increasing push for the decarbonization of industrial and commercial heating systems and the rapid transition toward "Power-to-Heat" (P2H) solutions. As nations implement stringent carbon emission regulations and carbon taxes, electric boilers, including high-voltage electrode and resistance-type systems, have become essential for industries seeking to eliminate onsite combustion emissions and leverage surplus renewable energy from wind and solar. The rapid expansion of district heating networks, coupled with the increasing need for grid balancing and the electrification of manufacturing processes, continues to fuel significant growth of this market across all major geographic regions.

Electric Boiler Market: Key Highlights

Market Overview and Insights

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Electric boilers are advanced thermal energy systems that convert electrical energy into heat, typically in the form of steam or hot water, without the need for fossil fuel combustion. These systems are categorized into two primary technologies: resistance boilers, which use immersion heating elements to transfer heat to the water, and electrode boilers, which utilize the conductive properties of water itself to generate heat through an electrical current. Unlike traditional fuel-fired boilers, electric units offer nearly 100% efficiency, zero onsite emissions, and a significantly smaller physical footprint, making them indispensable for modern urban and industrial environments.

The market includes a diverse range of configurations, ranging from compact wall-mounted units for residential use to massive high-voltage electrode systems capable of producing over 100 MW of thermal power. These systems are increasingly integrated with thermal energy storage (TES) and intelligent control platforms to provide services such as peak shaving and frequency regulation for power grids. The ability to provide rapid start-up and precise temperature control has made electric boilers the technology of choice for food processing, pharmaceuticals, and district heating operators seeking to manage the intermittency of renewable power.

The overall electric boiler market is expected to witness robust growth during the forecast period, driven by several factors. The global energy sector is pushing hard to electrify heat, aiming to meet net-zero emission targets. This drive has increased the adoption of high-capacity units, with advanced electrode boilers helping to stabilize grids by consuming excess renewable generation during periods of low demand. At the same time, the rapid growth in the commercial building market is increasing the need for sustainable HVAC solutions. Electric boilers offer crucial features like low maintenance and high safety to support the sustainability requirements of modern digital and urban infrastructure.

What are the Key Trends in the Electric Boiler Market?

Proliferation of High-Voltage Electrode Boilers for Grid Balancing

Manufacturers are increasingly moving beyond small-scale resistance units to massive jet-type electrode boilers that can operate at voltages up to 20 kV. Leading companies are deploying these systems in district heating networks and large industrial complexes to serve as "virtual batteries" for the grid. The recent commissioning of large-scale electrode boiler projects in Northern Europe marks a key milestone in this transition. These advanced designs allow for rapid response to grid signals, enabling operators to absorb surplus wind and solar energy and convert it into storable heat, making electric boilers increasingly competitive with traditional gas-fired peaker plants.

Integration of Smart Controls and Thermal Energy Storage

As the industry moves toward decentralized energy management, manufacturers are creating units that feature advanced IoT sensors and predictive control modules. This approach allows for real-time optimization of heating schedules based on electricity price signals and weather forecasts, significantly reducing operational costs. Furthermore, manufacturers are investing in hybrid boiler research to provide a bridge for facilities transitioning from fossil fuels, further enhancing the technological profile of the market.

Market Dynamics

Drivers: Decarbonization Mandates and Carbon Pricing

Global regulations requiring the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions have created significant incentives for the adoption of electric heating. The EU Green Deal, the U.S. Clean Air Act, and various national carbon tax schemes drive manufacturers toward zero-emission solutions that conventional boilers cannot match. It is estimated that as carbon prices rise through 2036, the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric boilers becomes increasingly attractive; therefore, electric boilers, with their ability to eliminate onsite combustion, are considered a crucial enabler of modern industrial strategies.

Opportunity: Expansion of District Heating and Power-to-Heat Projects

The rapid growth of district heating networks and Power-to-Heat (P2H) infrastructure provides great opportunities for the electric boiler market. Indeed, the global surge in urban energy modernization has created a compelling demand for large-scale, non-combustion heat sources. These applications require high reliability, rapid ramp rates, and the ability to handle high-voltage inputs, all attributes that are met with advanced electrode boilers. The district energy market is set to expand significantly through 2036, with electric units poised for an expanding share as operators seek to lower their reliance on natural gas. Furthermore, the increasing demand for sustainable steam in the food and beverage industry is stimulating demand for modular electric systems that provide energy independence and resilience.

Product Type Insights

Why Do Resistance Boilers Dominate the Market?

The resistance boilers segment accounts for around 60-65% of the overall electric boiler market in 2026. These systems, typically ranging from 10 kW to 5,000 kW, offer a cost-effective and reliable way to provide hot water and steam. The commercial sector alone consumes the vast majority of resistance boiler production, with major projects in North America and Europe demonstrating the technology's capability to provide safe, emission-free heating.

However, the electrode boilers segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the requirement for high-capacity bulk heat generation in district heating and large-scale industrial processes. The ease of integration into high-voltage grids and the high power density of new electrode designs make them highly attractive for utility-scale users.

Application Insights

How Does the Industrial Sector Lead the Market?

Based on application, the industrial segment holds the largest share of the overall electric boiler market in 2026, accounting for around 55-60% of the overall electric boiler market. From food processing and chemical manufacturing to pharmaceutical production and paper mills, the use of electric boilers in the industrial sector is central to modernizing manufacturing infrastructure. Current industrial projects are increasingly specifying electric units for their precision control and ability to meet corporate sustainability targets.

The commercial segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the growing focus on green building certifications (LEED, BREEAM) and the need for resilient onsite heating in data centers and healthcare facilities. Electric boilers are finding critical applications in providing sustainable hot water and steam for large urban complexes.

Regional Insights

How is Europe Maintaining Dominance in the Global Electric Boiler Market?

Europe holds the largest share of the global electric boiler market in 2026. The largest share of this region is primarily attributed to the massive government-led investments in energy transition infrastructure, particularly in Germany, Norway, and the UK. Europe alone accounts for a significant portion of global electrode boiler innovation, with its position as a leading hub for Power-to-Heat technology driving sustained growth. The presence of leading manufacturers, including Bosch Thermotechnology, Cochran, and specialized electrode boiler producers like PARAT Halvorsen AS, provides a well-developed supply chain serving regional and global customers.

Which Factors Support North America and Asia Pacific Electric Boiler Market Growth?

North America accounts for around 20 to 25% of the global electric boiler market. The growth of this market is mainly driven by the need to replace aging boiler assets and the implementation of stringent local emission mandates in cities like New York and Vancouver. The demand for electric units in North America is mainly due to its large-scale commercial modernization projects and the presence of innovators like Cleaver-Brooks and Fulton Group.

In Asia Pacific, the rapid industrialization and the push for air quality improvement are driving the adoption of electric boilers. China leads the market with a strong focus on "Coal-to-Electricity" conversions and the presence of leading technology providers. India represents a rapidly emerging market, driven by its ambitious renewable energy targets and the need for efficient industrial heating in its expanding manufacturing corridors.

Key Players and Recent Developments in the Boiler Economizer Market

Key Players Expanding Global Reach

Leading companies in the boiler economizer market are implementing diverse strategies to meet the growing demand across industrial, utility, and commercial sectors.

• Alfa Laval & Babcock & Wilcox: These industry giants provide comprehensive thermal technology solutions, offering complete heat recovery systems. Their established reliability and extensive experience in major industrial projects provide them with operational references across all continents.
• Cleaver-Brooks & Victory Energy: These companies lead in providing integrated boiler-economizer packages and digital solutions. Their systems are designed for rapid deployment across various applications, emphasizing ease of integration.
• Thermax & Superior Boiler Works: Both companies are actively developing advanced heat recovery systems. Their focus is on maximizing efficiency while prioritizing sustainability and ease of operation. Thermax, in particular, has been recognized with the Sustainability Impact Award 2025 for its green solutions.
• Cain Industries: A specialist in the field, Cain Industries is a leader in custom-engineered economizer solutions, particularly for challenging industrial applications where standard systems may not suffice.

Recent Developments

November 2025: Alfa Laval's Innovative Once-Through Steam Generator

Alfa Laval launched a compact once-through steam generator that integrates an economizer, evaporator, and superheater into a single unit. This design is specifically intended for modular thermal energy storage systems, facilitating the use of renewable energy (solar/wind) for industrial heating by storing heat in molten salt.

February 2025: Cleaver-Brooks' myBoilerRoom Platform

Cleaver-Brooks introduced myBoilerRoom, an advanced digital platform powered by Prometha®. This IoT-driven system uses real-time data analytics to optimize boiler efficiency and reliability. Early deployments, such as in food processing and manufacturing plants, have demonstrated significant fuel cost savings (e.g., over $10,000 annually in one instance) through optimized settings and predictive maintenance.

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