Fuel cells represent an exciting and dynamic industry that could alter the way we produce and use energy for residential and commercial consumption, transportation, electronic devices, and more.

While fuel cells are a technology that has been known to scientists for almost 200 years, in the modern world, they represent an innovative source of energy. Fuel cells are favored as a “green” technology for their low emissions, quiet operation and high efficiency. They can be fed by fuels that are readily available, including biofuels, thus reducing reliance on foreign oil and an electric grid that is aging and in many places pushed beyond capacity.

The great appeal of fuel cells is that they can operate continuously as long as the necessary flows of fuel and oxygen are maintained, and they produce only water as a byproduct, rather than being a source of pollution.

Although it is a relatively young industry, fuel cells have shown vigorous growth in the past few years. SBI Energy research estimates that the market grew from $353 million in 2005 to $498 million in 2009. We predict global sales will reach $1.2 billion by 2014.

Much of the early optimism for the future of the industry was driven by U.S. and other government investment. Early expectations of a quick, low-cost source of alternative energy have been mediated by the realities of lengthy product development cycles and the growing acceptance of alternative energy technologies such as wind and solar. As the new US administration pulls back from aggressive investment in the technology, some observers are now questioning how quickly fuel cells can achieve widespread commercialization. As a consequence, fuel cells are in a race with other alternative energy technologies such as solar and wind for widespread acceptance.

In this dynamic and rapidly changing marketplace, SBI Energy’s new report, Fuel Cell Technologies Worldwide, will provide clear guidance and insight on various technologies and end-use markets.

The report zeroes in on the historic growth (2005-2009) and growth potential (2010-2014) of the global market for fuel cells and discuss various fuel cell technologies currently used. Market size and growth will be broken out by major country and by region of the world. The report will also segment the market by technology (type of fuel cell as defined by the electrolyte used), and application (stationary power, portable electronics, motor vehicles, backup power supplies, military & aerospace, and others), and provide detailed profiles of companies that are leading the way in the industry.

The information in Fuel Cell Technologies Worldwide is based on interviews with industry leaders and fuel cell researchers, as well as primary and secondary data from industry sources such as Fuel Cell 2000, Fuel Cell Today, and the US Fuel Cell Council. Research also includes company literature and websites, news reports and research services such as OneSource.

What You’ll Get in This Report

Through extensive research by SBI Energy, Fuel Cell Technologies Worldwide identifies current market drivers and trends, and makes important predictions about the future of this market. In addition, this report pinpoints ways current and prospective players can capitalize on current trends and spearhead new ones.

No other market research report provides both the comprehensive analysis and extensive data that Fuel Cell Technologies Worldwide offers. Plus, you’ll benefit from extensive data, presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and graphs.

How You’ll Benefit from This Report

If your company is already doing business in the fuel cell market, or is considering making the leap, you will find this report invaluable, as it provides a comprehensive package of information and insight not offered in any other single source. You will gain a thorough understanding of the current market for fuel cells, as well as projected markets and trends through 2014.

This report will help:

• Marketing managers identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans for fuel cells
• Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand for fuel cells in current and alternative markets.
• Advertising agencies working with clients in the manufacturing sector understand the product buyer, and develop messages and images that compel product developers and engineers to incorporate fuel cells into various types of end-use products.
• Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships.
• Equity and venture capital investors identify high potential opportunities for capital infusion.
• Information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do their jobs more effectively.

Additional Information

Market Insights: A Selection From The Report

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The portable sector is the fastest growing market, but much of that current growth is due to toys and educational devices powered by low-watt fuel cells. Several companies, including Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies and Thames & Kosmos, have developed fuel cell car kits that allow children to assemble the car while learning the science behind fuel cell technology. Other products include remote-control toys powered by fuel cells.

The largest demand for fuel cells is currently for power generation units, which promise a greener energy source and a reduced dependence on foreign oil. Commercial and public entities will likely lead the way in adopting fuel cell power sources, as these bodies are ever more aware of the economic and political advantages of adopting renewable energy sources.

SBI Energy estimates that, when fuel cell toys are taken out of the equation, the small stationary sector has historically been the leader in the industry since 2005. But niche transport (forklifts and other materials handling vehicles) was a break-out market in 2008 and 2009, and portable electronics other than toys are expected to gain momentum in the coming years, as well.

Government involvement and incentives

While opinions differ on how soon and to what extent fuel cells will penetrate the market, SBI Energy believes that the government will steer the course in the U.S.

President George Bush gave a boost to the industry in his 2003 State of the Union address by advocating for a hydrogen economy. He followed up by signing the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which included R & D, demonstration and market transition programs for fuel cells and hydrogen. It also contained incentives for the purchase of fuel cells, including the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which was seen by the industry as a key step in the commercialization of fuel cell technology.

The credit, which was extended through 2016, allows a business property owner a credit of 30% of the cost of a fuel cell unit, up to $3,000 per kilowatt. It allows a non-business property owner a credit of 30% of the cost up to $1,000 per kilowatt. Industry leaders are hoping for long-term extension of the ITC as a means of accelerating full-scale commercialization of fuel cell technology.

Units Shipped

SBI Energy research shows that the annual growth rate in units shipped worldwide was 20% in 2005, but grew to 75% in 2008. We expect the growth rate to slow down through 2010, to 60%, and then level off at 30% through 2014. Over the past several years, Japan has achieved a growth rate greater than 100%, as that country has been host to the vast majority of the world’s stationary installations, as well as the leader in portable devices and fuel cell automobiles. SBI Energy expects Japan’s dominance to level off over the next few years, as companies in Europe, the United States and elsewhere continue steady growth.

New York, September 14, 2010 - The exciting and dynamic market for fuel cell technologies has emerged as an international heavyweight with the potential to reshape how energy is produced and used for residential and commercial consumption, transportation, and electronic devices, according to SBI Energy’s new industry study Fuel Cell Technologies Worldwide.

The fuel cell market is forecast to reach $598 million in 2010 and then grow to $1.22 billion by 2014, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% that continues the vigorous growth experienced over the past few years. SBI Energy research estimates that the market grew from $353 million in 2005 to $498 million in 2009. Japan and the United States represented the two largest financial segments of the market last year.

Industry experts offer a wide range of predictions about which sectors will win the lion’s share of the fuel cell market in the coming years. Some believe fuel cell cars will be widely available to buyers by 2015, while others are more skeptical and believe it will be at least 2030 before they are a common sight on the road. Likewise, some industry watchers believe fuel cell powered automobiles will eventually dominate the market, while others believe fuel cell cars will be just one of many viable options.

The portable sector is the fastest growing market, but much of that current growth is due to toys and educational devices powered by low-watt fuel cells. Several companies, including Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies and Thames & Kosmos, have developed fuel cell car kits that allow children to assemble the car while learning the science behind fuel cell technology. Other products include remote-control toys powered by fuel cells.

However, the largest demand for fuel cells is currently for power generation units, which promise a greener energy source and a reduced dependence on foreign oil. “Commercial and public entities will likely lead the way in adopting fuel cell power sources, as these bodies are ever more aware of the economic and political advantages of adopting renewable energy sources,” says SBI Energy publisher Shelley Carr.

SBI Energy estimates that, when fuel cell toys are taken out of the equation, the small stationary sector has historically been the leader in the industry since 2005. But niche transport (i.e., forklifts and other materials handling vehicles) was a breakout market in 2008 and 2009. Portable electronics other than toys are expected to gain momentum in the coming years, as well.

Fuel Cell Technologies Worldwide zeroes in on the historic growth (2005-2009) and growth potential (2010-2014) of the global market for fuel cells and discusses various fuel cell technologies currently used. Market size and growth are broken out by major country and by region of the world. The report also segments the market by technology (type of fuel cell as defined by the electrolyte used) and application (stationary power, portable electronics, motor vehicles, backup power supplies, military & aerospace, and others), and provides detailed profiles of companies that are leading the way in the industry.

About SBI Energy
SBI Energy, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes research reports in the industrial, energy, building/construction, and automotive/transportation markets. SBI Energy also offers a full range of custom research services.