DOE Report Cites Fuel-Cell Advances

Worldwide shipments of fuel-cell systems grew nearly 38% to about 22,000 in 2011, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

2011 Fuel Cell Technologies Market Report says stationary installations accounted for about 75% of all systems shipped last year. The annual study, which was produced by DOE and Washington, D.C.-based Breakthrough Technologies Institute Inc., estimates that transportation contributed about 18% of the volume and portable systems made up the balance.

Asia, led by Japan, produced 57% of all fuel-cell systems shipped last year. Only about 3,100 units were made in North America.

The report says shipments in Asia jumped nearly eightfold over the past three years. Output tripled in the U.S. over the same period to roughly 2,600 units, including a 16% decline from 2010 to 2011 caused in part by the end of federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that subsidized purchases.

The 69-page analysis details state-level initiatives, summarizes the number and location of fuel-cell refueling facilities worldwide and describes several military research programs. The study also includes profiles of 25 public and private companies doing significant research on fuel cells.

The full report can be downloaded HERE.