U.S. Fuel Cells Demand to Reach $1.1 Billion in 2008

The commercial market for fuel cell products and services in the United States will increase tenfold to $1.1 billion in 2008 and reach $4.6 billion in 2013, according to Fuel Cells from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm.

Electric power generation is emerging as the first large-scale commercial market for fuel cells. Fuel cell systems used as remote power supplies (for campers, construction sites, oil rigs, etc.), grid support, and cogeneration will account for over half of demand in 2008. However, the portable electronics market is expected to record the strongest advances over the next decade. (See table right >)

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells will maintain their dominant market position through 2008 and beyond. PEM fuel cell systems operate at low temperatures and offer high energy density. Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) will account for the second largest share of stack and system demand in 2008. Demand for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) will remain well below both PEM and SOFC sales levels, but the DMFC market will grow at an above-average pace as system use grows in portable electronics and power generation applications.

Fuel Cells (published 02/2004), a 284 page Freedonia study, sells for $4,100. Available from The Battery Bookstore, phone: (814) 466-6559, fax: (814) 466-2777, or visit www.7ms.com.