Pike Research has released a new report titled “Fuel Cells for Portable Power Applications” in which it has forecast that the portable fuel cells market across the world will increase from $185 million in 2009 to $2.3 billion by 2016.
Portable fuel cells are fast emerging as a cost-effective and viable alternative for providing clean power for various portable power applications such as consumer electronics. In spite of many false starts by the fuel cell industry, it is set to increase its global market share dramatically, according to Pike Research.
Clint Wheelock, Managing Director, said that the main drivers for the growth of fuel cell market during the next several years will be dozens of niche applications. Clint Wheelock commented that manufacturers are discovering that for portable power applications, fuel cells are an attractive and viable alternative to small generators and batteries. He stated that orders from military, industries and government funding have given a significant boost for the commercialization of portable fuel cells.
According to the Pike Research report, the leading fuel cell market segment will be in the 500 watt to 2 kilowatt range for the replacement of diesel and gasoline generators. The second largest segment will be in the 100 to 500 watt range that are used for many applications including power tools, unmanned vehicles and first responder battery charging.
The Pike Research report provides an in-depth analysis of the rising portable fuel cells market. It also examines the market opportunities for niche applications within the five important power level segments, 1- 1-20W, 20-100W, 100-500W, 1-2 kW, and 2-7 kW. Global market forecasts up to the year 2017 and profiles of important industry players are also provided in this report.