STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This comprehensive market study reviews in depth the pertinent technical, geographical, and economic drivers for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Forecasted growth of the industry sector is presented with important analytical and statistical information on markets, applications, industry structure, markets and industry dynamics, as well as materials and other technical developments. The focus of this analysis is Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with a review of potential applications from small to large power demands. The main goal of this study is to identify potential growth opportunities for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and to provide the reader with information needed for strategic planning or investment decisions.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
The fuel cell industry is one of the fastest growing industry segments of the power industry due to the need for reliable power sources either for small applications (power-hungry laptops for example) or larger ones (stationary, residential or transportation). Fuel cells have now reached the position of a viable power alternative to standard means of power generation for all applications types and sizes. Market introduction of small or micro fuel cells is expected within the next couple of years for the high-end market. Power plants in various countries (U.S., Germany, and Japan) are being constructed. Many cities, countries or states are moving some of their public transportation (buses or trains for example) to hybrid electrical vehicle, some using fuel cells. Solid oxide fuel cells present one of the promising technology options for the whole range of applications described above.
With any technology, materials developments, design, safety and monitoring, market incentives, and other motivating economic factors come to play an important role in their success for a global and industry-wide market penetration and commercialization. This study is intended to be the most complete technical, economic and business document of its type on this subject and is designed to provide information of a professional nature. The technical data depend on the accuracy of the manufacturers and technical sources that make up the BCC database. This report is not intended to constitute a legal or accounting document, nor is it an endorsement of any given product or process. The author and BCC, Inc., as the publisher, assume no liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this material.
Like most disruptive technologies, fuel cells have emerging market opportunities as well as technical or commercialization hurdles to overcome. The market opportunities that the Solid Oxide Fuel Cells present for the materials industry are being reviewed throughout this study as well as the forecasted global market and economic values of this technology with emerging commercial opportunities and remaining challenges for specific applications.
This BCC, Inc. technical/marketing study provides an in-depth analysis of the solid oxide fuel cell technology and the role this technology plays for the power-generation market.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE STUDY AND FOR WHOM
This study aims to provide a complete set of market and technical information to persons interested in investment, acquisition, or expansion in solid oxide fuel cell technology with specific, detailed information to make informed decisions. In addition, those who simply want to stay abreast of the state of the art of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells will find this study worthwhile.
More specifically, this study aims to provide a unique analysis of the global market for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, from materials, processes, and design developments to market incentives, and will be of interest to manufacturers of power technologies (fuel cells or batteries), their suppliers (materials and components providers for example), as well as their applications: portable power, stationary, transportation or residential products. This report also will be valuable to those involved in solid oxide fuel cell development and marketing, as well as those offering competing power sources.
Existing and potential solid oxide fuel cell material providers, including miners, processors, refiners, chemical synthesizers and recyclers will find information provided by this report of interest to their operations.
The author and BCC, Inc. wish to thank those companies, government agencies and university researchers who contributed information to this effort.
SCOPE AND FORMAT
The scope of this report is to review the solid oxide fuel cell industry market opportunities and technical implications. A brief overview of the position of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cells technology within the larger field of fuel cells is being presented first, followed by a short description of the motivating economic and legislative factors driving the industry. Worldwide industry structure, with an emphasis on the U.S. market, and competitiveness is being studied in terms of market drivers, market applications, emerging markets or new applications, patents and technology review for materials, design, and components but also monitoring and safety needs.
A profile of the various materials needs and market opportunities is being addressed. Fuel options for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells are being briefly reviewed, as extensive coverage exists in previous BCC, Inc. reports. Specific materials and components growth demand is forecasted in terms of value, volume, and geography as applicable. Profile of the main industry materials and components suppliers is included. Cost/performance ratios of the various technologies complement this study.
Where appropriate, historic, background, sources and suppliers, developments and constraints, predicted and current markets by volume and value are summarized. Specific benefits and challenges by applications type are reviewed: portable power, stationary, transportation, and residential products. The markets are summarized by region and the types of cells, along with the players or potential players in the market.
The area of fuel cell technology is a fast expanding industry. Specific Solid Oxide Fuel Cells' technological or market innovations have been included to the best of our knowledge in a rapidly evolving industry.
METHODOLOGY
Information sources, which provided the research information for this report, include: in-depth analysis of technical and business literature, a review of the history of the technology, interviews with industry experts, company representatives, federal government researchers, and university scientists. Secondary sources of information included product literature from solid oxide fuel cell system suppliers, and numerous scientific references, patent searches, and BCC's available database.
Forecasted and estimated values are based upon market trends, predicted values, historic trends, and private discussions with expert representatives from companies, laboratories, and governmental agencies. All figures are presented in constant 2003 U.S. dollars.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The information sources for this study include extensive literature review, online research, patent literature, worldwide technical journals and magazines, and interviews with principals in the industry.
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