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Francis Turbine Market

The market for Francis Turbine was estimated at $3.8 billion in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $5.0 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $6.6 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS2401027
Author:Chandra Mohan - Sr. Industry Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Energy & Power
Power Generation
Francis Turbine
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Market Data
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Table of Contents

Global Francis Turbine Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$3.8B

Forecast, 2035

$6.6B

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

5.6%

The Francis Turbine industry revenue is expected to be around $3.8 billion in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 5.6% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. Building on this outlook, the Francis Turbine market has solidified its position as a core technology for utility-scale hydropower, supported by robust demand from hydroelectric power generation and pumped storage hydro plants, which together account for approximately 90.0% of end-user demand. The vertical product segment, dominated by vertical Francis Turbine designs, accounted for about $2.78 billion in industry revenue in 2025, underscoring its suitability for large, grid-connected installations that require high turbine efficiency and reliable baseload output. Growing investment in the renewable energy transition, the refurbishment of aging hydropower assets, and the need for flexible, low-carbon storage solutions are sustaining the technology’s relevance in the global hydropower market. In addition, regulatory support for clean energy, coupled with the strategic role of hydropower in grid stability and peak-load management, continues to reinforce the long-term importance of Francis Turbine solutions in power sector planning.

The Francis Turbine is a mixed-flow reaction turbine engineered for medium-head hydropower applications, combining radial and axial flow to deliver high efficiency across a wide operating range. Key features include a compact spiral casing, adjustable guide vanes, and a predominantly vertical shaft design that enables precise flow control, reduced cavitation risk, and low maintenance requirements in modern hydroelectric power generation projects. Major applications span large dams, run-of-river plants, and pumped storage hydro plants, where Francis Turbine units are deployed for both continuous generation and rapid ramping to balance variable renewable sources such as wind and solar. Recent trends driving demand include the integration of digital monitoring and advanced control systems, systematic upgrades of existing vertical product installations to enhance performance, and the adoption of more sustainable, high-performance materials that extend asset life while improving overall turbine efficiency.

Francis Turbine market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Francis Turbine Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Francis Turbine market is projected to grow from $3.8 billion in 2025 to $6.6 billion in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 5.6%, reflecting rising demand across Hydropower Generation, Irrigation and Water Supply, and Industrial Processes.

  • Andritz AG, General Electric Company, and Voith GmbH are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • U.S. and China are the top markets within the Francis Turbine market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 3.6% to 5.4% between 2025 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including Vietnam, Malaysia and Brazil are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 6.4% to 7.7%.

  • Transition like to Renewable Energy Sources has greater influence in United States and China market's value chain; and is expected to add $98 million of additional value to Francis Turbine industry revenue by 2030.

  • The Francis Turbine market is set to add $2.8 billion between 2025 and 2035, with manufacturer targeting Pumped Storage Hydro Plants & Industrial Energy Recovery Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    hydroelectric power generation advancements, and

    Industrial Automation Trend, Francis Turbine market to expand 72% between 2025 and 2035.

francis turbine market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Francis Turbine - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Francis Turbine

India’s accelerating renewable energy transition is also opening a sizeable hydropower market for Francis Turbine installations in underutilized river basins and canal-based small hydro power plants. Numerous run-of-river projects below 25 MW remain untapped, where compact horizontal Francis Turbines offer superior efficiency and easier installation for private developers and industrial consumers. With the global horizontal segment rising from $1.04 to $1.44 billion by 2030 at 6.64% CAGR, India is expected to drive above-average growth through modular turbine modernization projects and digital twin monitoring.

Growth Opportunities in Asia-Pacific and Europe

In the Asia-Pacific Francis Turbine market, hydroelectric power generation is the most influential end-user, with pumped storage hydro plants accelerating as grids absorb more variable renewable energy, creating top opportunities in new medium-head hydropower developments, turbine refurbishment programs, and high-efficiency runner replacements; competition is driven by a mix of global hydroelectric turbine OEMs and aggressive regional manufacturers that compete on cost and localized engineering, while policy-driven expansion of clean energy, rising electricity demand, and investments in digital monitoring and control systems are the primary drivers supporting advanced Francis Turbine solutions and long-term service partnerships
In Europe, the Francis Turbine market is increasingly shaped by pumped storage hydro plants as the leading end-user, complemented by selective industrial energy recovery projects, creating top opportunities in repowering existing assets, upgrading plant efficiency with modern hydropower turbine designs, and integrating flexible Francis Turbine capacity into cross-border balancing markets; competition centers on established regional turbine specialists and engineering firms that differentiate through customized designs, high-reliability components, and predictive maintenance offerings, while stringent decarbonization targets, grid flexibility requirements, and incentives for low-carbon generation are the core drivers accelerating demand for premium, digitally enabled Francis Turbine installations and performance-based service models.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Decarbonization-led hydropower expansion and technology-driven refurbishment of aging hydro assets

Global decarbonization policies are also accelerating hydropower investments, directly benefiting Francis turbine demand. Many countries are also expanding medium-head hydropower to stabilize grids with dispatchable renewable energy, where Francis turbines offer optimal efficiency and flexibility. At the same time, technological modernization of existing hydropower assets is also creating a parallel growth engine. Aging plants across Europe, Asia, and North America are also undergoing refurbishment to extend operational life, improve efficiency, and meet stricter grid codes. Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics-based blade design, improved cavitation resistance, and digital control systems are also enhancing turbine performance without new dam construction. These upgrades favor Francis turbines due to their adaptable design and compatibility with existing civil structures. Together, policy-driven capacity additions and technology-led refurbishment cycles are also sustaining long-term demand, particularly for customized, high-efficiency Francis turbines tailored to site-specific hydraulic conditions. This trend is also reinforced by utility preference for proven turbine platforms with predictable lifecycle costs and long-term operational reliability.
Rising investment in pumped storage hydropower is also a major driver for Francis turbines. Pumped storage projects rely heavily on reversible Francis turbine pump-turbines due to their ability to operate efficiently in both generation and pumping modes under medium head conditions. As variable renewable energy penetration increases, grid operators are also prioritizing large-scale energy storage to balance intermittency and maintain frequency stability. Technological improvements in variable-speed pump-turbines, advanced sealing systems, and high-strength materials are also expanding operational ranges and improving efficiency. These advancements make Francis-based pumped storage more attractive than alternative turbine types. New projects and upgrades of existing schemes in Asia-Pacific and Europe are also therefore driving steady demand for high-capacity, custom-engineered Francis turbine solutions. Policy support and long project lifecycles further strengthen long-term procurement visibility for manufacturers and specialized engineering service providers.
02

Restraint: High capital costs and lengthy project development timelines constrain turbine adoption

Francis turbine projects require significant upfront investment in civil works, specialized equipment, and grid interconnection, which can delay commissioning by several years. Lengthy permitting and environmental assessments further extend timelines, particularly in regions with strict riverine ecosystem protections. For example, utility-scale hydropower developers often defer new-build Francis turbine installations in favor of lower-capex solar or wind projects, reducing near-term market revenue. Cost pressure also affects refurbishment budgets, leading owners to opt for minimal repairs rather than full turbine upgrades. These financial and scheduling barriers limit demand growth and shift investment toward faster-deploying renewables, dampening Francis turbine sales and elongating payback periods.
03

Opportunity: High-head vertical Francis Turbines serving Latin American mining and Pumped-storage Francis Turbines supporting European grid-scale renewable integration

Latin American mining companies in Chile, Peru, and Brazil are pursuing low-carbon electricity to stabilize energy costs and meet stricter sustainability targets, opening an opportunity for dedicated hydropower plants using high-head Francis Turbine designs. Many remote operations rely on expensive diesel or unstable grids, yet nearby river valleys can economically host vertical Francis Turbines integrated with process water systems. As global vertical capacity expands, mining-focused projects in the Andes are positioned to become one of the fastest-growing industrial applications for Francis Turbine hydropower.
In Europe, rapid wind and solar deployment is reviving interest in pumped-storage hydropower where large vertical Francis Turbines provide flexible, reversible generation for grid balancing. Many legacy hydroelectric plants in alpine and Nordic regions require upgrades, creating demand for high-efficiency Francis Turbine runners, variable-speed drives, and predictive maintenance analytics. Globally, the vertical segment is forecast to rise from $2.78 to $3.58 billion by 2030 at 5.2% CAGR, with European pumped-storage projects expected to capture a disproportionate share of this premium capacity expansion.
04

Challenge: Environmental regulations and social opposition slow approvals and restrict project sites

Stronger environmental laws and community resistance to large dams are actively reshaping hydropower deployment patterns and reducing suitable sites for Francis turbines. Regulatory requirements for fish passage, minimum flow maintenance, and sediment management increase compliance costs and technical complexity, eroding project margins. In many watersheds, local opposition has resulted in canceled or downsized projects, diminishing procurement opportunities for medium-head turbine systems. As a result, developers increasingly target run-of-river or non-powered solutions, diminishing demand for conventional Francis turbine installations. These dynamics alter market behavior by prioritizing less intrusive energy storage and generation alternatives.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Hydraulic Turbine Components

SKF GroupABB GroupSiemens Energy
2

Francis Turbine Manufacturing

Andritz AGVoith GmbHToshiba Corporation
3

Turbine Generator EPC

General Electric CompanyAlstom SAAndritz AG
4

Power Generation End-Users

Hydropower generation plantsRenewable energy utilitiesIndustrial captive power users
Francis Turbine - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Francis Turbine in Hydropower Generation & Industrial Processes

Hydropower Generation : Hydropower generation remains the primary application for Francis turbines, particularly in medium-head projects ranging roughly from 30 to 300 meters. Vertical-axis Francis turbines are most commonly deployed in large grid-connected hydroelectric power plants due to their compact footprint, high efficiency across variable flow conditions, and stable operation under fluctuating loads. These turbines convert both pressure and kinetic energy, making them well suited for river-based dams and reservoir-driven installations. Their adjustable wicket gates allow precise flow control, supporting grid balancing and peak-load management. As utilities prioritize efficiency upgrades and life-extension projects, refurbished and digitally optimized Francis turbines continue to dominate this application segment.
Irrigation and Water Supply : In irrigation and water supply systems, compact and horizontal-axis Francis turbines are increasingly used in canal drops, pressure pipelines, and water conveyance infrastructure. These installations typically operate under medium head and steady flow conditions, allowing energy recovery without disrupting primary water distribution functions. Francis turbines are favored here for their robust design, low maintenance requirements, and ability to operate efficiently at partial loads. In irrigation networks, they help offset pumping energy costs, while in municipal water supply systems they enable small-scale hydropower generation. This dual-use capability aligns well with growing investments in energy-efficient water infrastructure and decentralized renewable power generation.
Industrial Processes : Industrial processes use Francis turbines mainly for captive power generation and energy recovery in facilities with consistent process water flows, such as steel plants, pulp and paper mills, and chemical processing units. Medium-head Francis turbines are preferred due to their adaptability to stable but non-seasonal flow regimes and their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing water circulation systems. These turbines recover excess hydraulic energy from cooling water discharge or process effluents, improving overall plant energy efficiency. Their high mechanical reliability and predictable performance make them suitable for continuous industrial operation, supporting cost reduction strategies and sustainability targets in energy-intensive industries.

Recent Developments

Francis turbine market dynamics reflect strong hydropower modernization and renewable energy integration. Recent developments show growing investment in digitalization, predictive maintenance, and CFD-optimized turbine runner designs that enhance turbine efficiency and extend asset life. Pumped storage hydropower expansion remains a key market trend as grids balance variable solar and wind, driving demand for reversible Francis systems. Manufacturers increasingly leverage advanced materials and automation in fabrication, supporting customized medium-head solutions. This strategic shift improves operational flexibility, reduces lifecycle costs, and strengthens long-term revenue visibility across the hydroelectric sector.

December 2025 : Voith secures a key supply and service contract to deliver two Francis turbine runners for the Santa Uxía hydropower station in Galicia, Spain. This contract focuses on modernizing existing Francis turbines by replacing runners to improve efficiency and operational range without modifying plant design, underscoring Voith’s strength in aftermarket service and technology upgrades.
July 2025 : ANDRITZ received a major order from Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) to equip the new Gandikota pumped storage plant (1 800 MW) in Andhra Pradesh, India, including reversible pump turbines and electromechanical equipment. This supply contract illustrates expanding demand for advanced medium-head Francis-type pump turbines supporting renewable integration and grid balancing.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Francis Turbine Market

As a core segment of the Power Generation industry, the Francis Turbine market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as to Renewable Energy Sources and Technological Advancements in Francis Turbine Design have redefined priorities across the Power Generation sector, influencing how the Francis Turbine market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

to Renewable Energy Sources

The accelerating transition to renewable energy sources is structurally reshaping the Francis Turbine market, with francis turbines becoming core assets in hydroelectric power systems due to their ability to operate efficiently under variable and low water flow conditions. As the United States and China deepen investments in hydropower plants to reduce dependence on conventional fuels, demand is shifting toward reliable, low-maintenance, and long-life Francis Turbine solutions, driving upgrades in turbine efficiency, advanced turbine design, and digital monitoring. This transition is not only reinforcing the strategic role of Francis Turbine technology across the energy value chain but is also projected to add approximately $98 million in additional industry revenue by 2030, amplifying growth opportunities for manufacturers, engineering contractors, and component suppliers.
02

Technological Advancements in Francis Turbine Design

Technological advancements in Francis turbine design are reshaping the hydropower industry by significantly improving efficiency, reliability, and lifecycle performance. Modern manufacturers increasingly use advanced computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis to optimize runner geometry, blade angles, and structural integrity under site-specific hydraulic conditions. These tools enable the development of customized turbines that achieve higher efficiency across wider operating ranges while minimizing cavitation and mechanical stress. As a result, power utilities benefit from increased annual energy output without additional water usage. In associated industries such as steel manufacturing and precision casting, demand has shifted toward high-strength alloys and tighter manufacturing tolerances. Additionally, digital monitoring and sensor integration are influencing maintenance services, supporting predictive maintenance models and reducing unplanned downtime across hydropower assets.