Dec 23 2009
An efficient and clean source of electricity is offered by fuel cells that has industrial, residential and commercial applications. Stationary fuel cells are available in a capacity ranging from 1 kilowatt to 10 kilowatts. These stationary fuel cells can be used for various purposes that are gaining an increasing amount of traction in different niche markets.
A recent report from Pike Research commented on the annual improvement in the economics of fuel cell prices and forecasts an increase in global revenues in the next few years. The cleantech market intelligence firm expects an increase in revenues from $336 million in the year 2009 to $716 million in the year 2013 globally for fuel cells.
David Link, senior analyst, remarked that high costs in the fuel cell industry have restricted the market demand and reduction in cost can be brought about by an increase in the rate of production. Referring to this aspect Link stated that fuel cells are currently being used in a variety of applications that also includes wastewater treatment, telecom and data center backup power and commercial combined heat and power.
A forecast from Pike Research anticipates a drop in the stationary fuel cell prices over a period of six years from $6,638 per kW in the year 2007 to $3,267 per kW in the year 2013 by more than 50 percent.
“Stationary Fuel Cells,” a study conducted by Pike Research analyses the available market opportunities for the application of fuel cells in industrial, commercial and residential areas. This study projects a detail analysis of cost and technology issues. The report include market forecasts for fuel cell capacity required for small and large stationary applications, installation prices and system revenues through the year 2013.