Fuel Cells Market Snapshot

The global Fuel Cells Market is expected to attain a valuation of USD 7.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 35 billion by 2033, trailing a CAGR of 17.1% during the forecast period.

The growth in demand for alternative energy sources is being driven by various factors. Private-public partnerships are increasing, and there is a growing focus on reducing environmental impact, which is expected to further boost the demand.

Governments worldwide are expected to support these developments by offering different forms of assistance, including funding for research and development activities and suitable financing programs. Establishing a strong regulatory framework is crucial, as it creates an investment-friendly environment for government enterprises.

The demand for hydrogen power plants is being propelled by increasing regulations from various administrations in developed economies and their eco-friendly objectives to reduce emissions.

Governments in mature economies like Europe and the United States are placing great emphasis on this, and technological advancements aimed at replacing electric grids are expected to foster market growth in the forecast period.

Ongoing projects in Europe’s market are anticipated to enable market participants to expand their product portfolios. However, the implementation of clean technologies at high costs presents a challenge to the innovative capabilities of most market participants.

The utilization of fuel cell technology in various modes of transportation is significantly increasing due to heightened research and development efforts focused on building hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Attribute Details

Expected Market Value (2023)

USD 7.2 billion

Anticipated Forecast Value (2033)

USD 35 billion

Projected Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)

CAGR 17.1%

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What are the Key Drivers Propelling Growth of the Fuel Cell Market?

Fuel cell energy is the renewable energy source that the world awaits for. As the environmental crisis increases, the world looks for efficient and clean energy technology. This united approach toward the transformation is leading to a high number of sales in the fuel cells market.

Fuel cells were used for application in probes, satellites and space capsules. Generally, fuel cells utilize oxygen and hydrogen during the electrochemical reaction process and generate electricity, heat and water.

Further, these cells are used where continuous flow of electricity is required. They also convert the fuel cell energy into the electric energy.

The cells provide continuous flow of electricity that is empowered with clean energy technology as long as source fuel is supplied. As fuel cells are carbon-free due to their non-burning nature, environmental norms support the development of this market.

Institutional organizations such as Sandia National Laboratories and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHV) are constantly conducting extensive research to improve the efficiency of fuel cells.

Moreover, key players (manufacturers) in the industry adopt strategies such alliances and partnerships to expand their product lines. Strategic alliances are helping market players to penetrate into relatively new application areas.

Fuel cell manufacturers are also involved in enhancement of product offerings. For example, Ballard Power Systems, Inc. and Plug Power, Inc. signed an agreement to supply fuel cell stacks to Plug Power, Inc. for three years to be used in forklift trucks.

Fuel cell manufacturers are also involved in the operational expansion through the setting up of new plants. Recently, Daimler AG and The Linde Group entered into strategic alliance to build hydrogen fuelling stations in Germany.

Such initiatives are helpful to commercialize fuel cell application in the transportation sector. Furthermore, fuel cell-powered vehicles require hydrogen filling stations. With such initiatives, it is possible to commercialize fuel cell-powered automobiles.

How is the Global Fuel Cells Market Classified?

Fuel cell technology finds application in stationary power, portable power and transportation power, and specialty vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, auxiliary power units and material handling equipment.

Fuel cells were used for application in probes, satellites and space capsules. Generally, fuel cells utilize oxygen and hydrogen during the electrochemical reaction process and generate electricity, heat and water. These cells are used where continuous flow of electricity is required. They convert the fuel cell energy into the electric energy.

The stationary power held a commanding position in the global market in 2022, with revenue accounting for over 68.8% of the market share. The demand for fuel cell in the stationary power is expected to rise with a CAGR of 17.8% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the growing demand for fuel cells in distributed generation facilities and backup power applications.

Fuel cells are being increasingly employed in combined heat and power applications. The stationary power ability to offer versatility, coupled with its high efficiency, enables it to maintain its leading position.

At a global level, various fuel cell design modifications are available. This includes solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), proton exchange membrane (PEM), molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) and a few others.

Furthermore, the fuel cells market can be categorized based on source type as hydrogen powered, methanol powered, biogas powered, natural gas powered and hydrocarbons powered.

Fuel cell technology has become one of the dominant technologies in the power generation industry owing to its carbon-free, non-burning nature and safe energy source.

Nikhil Kaitwade
Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Which Region Shows Notable Growth Potential in the Fuel Cells Market?

Whether it is for fuel cell system development in central Oregon, wind power generation along the Columbia Gorge, or geothermal energy in southern Oregon, investing in new energy sources makes North America energy-independent.

Rising environmental concerns along with stringent regulations, especially in North America and Europe to reduce carbon emission, is likely to fuel the demand for fuel cell systems over the forecast period. Further, the demand for fuel cells in North America and Europe is expected to rise with CAGRs of 18.2 and 17.8% respectively.

A few other factors such as consistently declining fuel cell cost due to technological advancement and uncertainty of the source of fuel cell are likely to spur growth of the fuel cell market. Such factors limit the application of fuel cells to a narrow spectrum. Moreover, the depletion of global oil and gas reserves coupled with the demand for clean energy or renewable energy are fuelling the global fuel cell market.

In the past few years, fuel cell market has witnessed different levels of developments, especially occurring in the countries of North America and Europe. FMI also analyzed the Middle East and Africa and Latin America and Asia Pacific as potential markets for the fuel cell technology.

Asia Pacific has become hub for consumer electronics, where electronic goods and renewable energy sources are produced at relatively less cost.

The sales of fuel cells in the region are expected to proliferate with a CAGR of 19.4% during the forecast period. Moreover, fuel cell market is likely to take advantage of such factors and is expected to witness increment in the penetration in Asia Pacific.

Start-ups in Fuel Cells Market

Start-ups play a vital role in recognizing growth opportunities and driving industry expansion. Their effectiveness in converting inputs into outputs and adapting to market uncertainties is valuable. In the fuel cells market, several start-ups are engaged in manufacturing and providing related services.

Fuel Cell LLC specializes in the development of fuel cell systems based on Alkaline and Oxyhydrogen (HHO) technology.

Elicius is a technology solutions provider specializing in hydrogen fuel cells.

Watt Fuel Cell is a company dedicated to the development and production of solid oxide fuel cell systems. These systems are designed to operate using easily accessible hydrocarbon fuels such as propane, natural gas, JP-8, and diesel.

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Competitive Landscape

The market for fuel cells is characterized by intense competition, as notable industry players are making significant investments to enhance their manufacturing capabilities.

The key industry players operating in the market are Toshiba Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Hydrogenics Corporation, Kyocera, AFC Energy, Ballard Power Systems, Inc., Ceres Power Holdings PLC, Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited, and Doosan Corporation.

Some Recent Developments in the Fuel Cells Market

  • In February 2023, SFC Energy AG, a hydrogen and methanol fuel cell supplier, and FC TecNrgy Pvt Ltd signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish a manufacturing facility for hydrogen and methanol fuel cells in India.
  • In August 2022, Bosch announced a USD 200 million investment in manufacturing fuel cell stacks at its South Carolina facility.
  • In June 2022, Doosan Fuel Cell Corporation Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korea Southern Power, Samsung C&T, and the Korea Institute of Energy Research.
  • In August 2021, SFC Energy AG and Nel ASA joined forces to develop the world's first integrated electrolyzer and hydrogen fuel cell system.

Report Scope

Attribute Details

Market Value in 2023

USD 7.2 billion

Market Value in 2033

USD 35 billion

Growth Rate

CAGR of 17.1% from 2023 to 2033

Base Year for Estimation

2022

Historical Data

2018 to 2022

Forecast Period

2023 to 2033

Quantitative Units

Revenue in US4 billion and CAGR from 2023 to 2033

Report Coverage

Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends, and Pricing Analysis

Segments Covered

By source, By design, By application, By region

Regions Covered

North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia and Pacific; East Asia; The Middle East and Africa

Key Countries Profiled

The United States of America, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, The United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore,Thailand, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Israel

Key Companies Profiled

Toshiba Corporation; Panasonic Corporation; Hydrogenics Corporation; Kyocera; AFC Energy; Ballard Power Systems, Inc.; Ceres Power Holdings PLC; Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd.; Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited; Doosan Corporation

Customization

Available Upon Request

Key Segmentation

By Source:

  • Hydrogen powered
  • Methanol powered
  • Biogas powered
  • Natural gas powered
  • Hydrocarbons powered

By Design:

  • Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
  • Proton exchange membrane (PEM)
  • Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC)
  • Others

By Application:

  • Stationary power
  • Portable power
  • Transportation power
  • Specialty vehicles
  • Fuel cell electric vehicles
  • Auxiliary power units
  • Material handling equipment

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • South Asia and Pacific
  • East Asia
  • The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Market Size of the Fuel Cell Market?

The market is estimated to secure USD 7.2 billion in 2023.

What is the expected Market Size of the Fuel Cell Market?

The market is expected to reach USD 35 billion by 2033.

What is the Growth Forecast for the North American Market?

The market in North America is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 18.2% through 2033.

Who are the key players in the Fuel Cell Market?

Some of the key players in the market are Toshiba Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, and Hydrogenics Corporation.

What is the Growth Projection of the Fuel Cell Market?

The market is anticipated to progress at a CAGR of 17.1% by 2033.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Source
		5.1. Hydrogen powered
		5.2. Methanol powered
		5.3. Biogas powered
		5.4. Natural gas powered
		5.5. Hydrocarbons powered
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Design
		6.1. Solid oxide (SOFC)
		6.2. Proton exchange membrane (PEM)
		6.3. Molten carbonate (MCFC)
		6.4. Others
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		7.1. Stationary power
		7.2. Portable power
		7.3. Transportation power
		7.4. Specialty vehicles
		7.5. Electric vehicles
		7.6. Auxiliary power units
		7.7. Material handling equipment
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		8.1. North America
		8.2. Latin America
		8.3. Western Europe
		8.4. Eastern Europe
		8.5. South Asia and Pacific
		8.6. East Asia
		8.7. Middle East and Africa
	9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	11. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	16. Key Countries Market Analysis
	17. Competition Analysis
		17.1. Toshiba Corporation
		17.2. Panasonic Corporation
		17.3. Hydrogenics Corporation
		17.4. Kyocera
		17.5. AFC Energy
		17.6. Ballard Power Systems, Inc.
		17.7. Ceres Power Holdings PLC
		17.8. Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd.
		17.9. Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
		17.10. Doosan Corporation
	18. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	19. Research Methodology
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