Global stationary fuel cell installations could total 4.5 GW by 2017 driven by a surge in demand for UPS and prime power applications, according to a new report by Pike Research.
The report, ‘Stationary Fuel Cells – Global Market Analysis and Forecasts’ states compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of fuel cell megawatts shipped was 47% between 2009-2012, with the prime power market seeing an impressive 69% CAGR. While the majority of stationary fuel cell companies are located in Europe, North America currently leads the market in terms of megawatts of stationary fuel cell units shipped.
Pike Research anticipates collaboration, limited market expansion, and new fuel options in the UPS applications, increasing demand for prime power systems with islanding capability, along with concerns about power grid stability in the wake of natural disasters, will drive a significant uptick in the rate of fuel cell adoption that could reach 4.5 GW by 2017.
In terms of revenue, under the unconstrained scenario North America will generate $6.2 billion by 2017 from the stationary fuel cell sector, Europe will generate $604 million, and Asia Pacific just under $14 billion. In terms of costs, the industry is currently facing a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) ranging from $0.05/kWh up to $0.84/kWh.
