LAST year's recovery in the hvacr industry in Europe looks set to continue in 2011, according to Eurovent Market Intelligence (EMI).
The latest report, which covers Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), reveals that the chiller market rose to 16,000,000 kW in 2010, a 10% increase over 2009. Forecasts for 2011 range from 11% and 17% for Eastern Europe, 11% for Africa and between 5% and 12% for the rest of Europe.

The air handling unit market amounted to more than 1.5 bn Euros in 2010. Main markets are north east Europe (a quarter for Germany and 8% for Russia). By itself, this area accounts for 58% of sales.

Overall growth was witnessed in northern Europe and in some southern countries such as Portugal but there were decreases in most of the Eastern European countries such as the Czech Republic, where sales fell by more than 10%. The forecasts for 2011 are optimistic, with increases between 5% and 7% predicted, and even exceeding 20% for Ukraine and the former Soviet Union countries.

The number of fan coil units sold in 2010 rose to roughly 1 million in the EMEA area. European sales represent about 90% of the market. Italy accounted for approximately 24% of the market. The Middle East took second place, far ahead of France and Central and Eastern Europe, each of which took roughly 9% of the market. As in 2010, sales in 2011 are not expected to enjoy major growth, except in Turkey, which will see a double-digit rise in sales. Other countries - particularly Russia and Portugal - are expected to undergo a slight stagnation.

Around 60,000 roof-top units were sold in 2010, with the Middle East accounting for nearly three-quarters of the units sold. Africa took second place with almost 10% of sales. The main European customers are France, Italy and the Iberian Peninsula, which together consumed nearly half of the rooftop equipment sold in Europe. In 2011, the Middle East and Africa are expected to maintain their rankings with growth of around 25%. Strong growth is anticipated in Eastern Europe, primarily in Germany with growth exceeding 50%, and the main Western Europe market is looking forward to an expansion of about 20%. 2011 will, on the whole, be a good year for the rooftop unit market, with double-digit growth.