Electricity Generation:

Other Distributed Generation

In 2011, global revenues from fuel cell shipments reached an estimated $755 million, which marked the largest volume of fuel cell shipments ever.

The Other Distributed Generation subsegment includes fuel cells, microturbines, Stirling engines, and reciprocating engines. Fuel Cells is the only product category that is included in this analysis, and therefore, the subsegment size is understated.

In 2011, global revenues from fuel cell shipments reached an estimated $755 million. 2011 marked the largest volume of fuel cell shipments ever; more than 20,000 fuel cell units shipped worldwide, with residential, auxiliary, and portable applications as the primary markets. Asia Pacific accounted for 55% of fuel cell shipment revenue. Within that region, Japan and South Korea were the primary markets where residential fuel cells account for the majority of sales. Japan’s ENE-FARM government program subsidizes residential combined heat and power, with nearly 20,000 units sold in 2011. South Korea, India, and the United States are also predicted to be leading markets for fuel cells in the coming years with global revenues expected to surpass $1.1 billion in 2012.

In the United States, 2011 revenue from shipments of fuel cells reached $182 million, accounting for 24% of the global market. On a capacity basis, North American companies (led by the United States) shipped more fuel cells than companies in any other region. The U.S. market is expected to drop to $136 million in 2012, down 25% from 2011. This is driven by an estimated 80% reduction in revenue from auxiliary power units. While no new pro-fuel cell policies are expected in the short-term, there is potential for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell technology breakthroughs, in addition to advancements in direct methanol fuel cell systems that could lead to significant cost reductions and wider adoption in the next few years.

Economic Impact

Advanced Energy Companies

+ view all