Pike Research has published a new report on global fuel cell industry, titled ’Fuel Cells Annual Report’. According to the report, the worldwide shipment of fuel cells has doubled between the years 2008 and 2010. The shipment has increased from 7,500 units to over 15,000 units per year.
The use of fuel cell-powered solutions is gaining importance in various fields. Currently, fuel cells are being employed in Africa’s off-grid mobile communications locations, electrical grid reliability, residential power and low-carbon transportation. Fuel cell is found as a very efficient solution to set up consistent, clean power for portable, transport and stationary applications.
It has been found that the majority of fuel cell growth is seen in the stationary power segment, which is nearly 60% of shipments in 2010. Various sectors, including combined heat and power facilities, power for grid-tied stations and off-grid mobile base stations across the globe drive the demand for stationary fuel cells. Sales of portable fuel cells have increased and declined in the last two years, followed by a major decline in 2010. Using transportation fuel cells is still a far reality as the automotive sector is focusing on fuel cell vehicles. However, the auxiliary power unit industry continues to increase every year.
The report analyzes the key factors and drivers that affect the fuel cell industry. It also provides forecast of the industry till 2017.