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China provides a boost to growth for fuel cell sector

London. A new report by E4tech highlights the increasing influence of China on the growth of the fuel cell sector, a technology traditionally led by Japan, North America and Europe.

 

This year’s annual Fuel Cell Industry Review, by E4tech, the specialist international sustainable energy consultancy, observes a shift in focus from the historically diffident Chinese government towards supporting the sector, in keeping with its Paris commitments, air quality concerns and economic opportunities. Not only has it continued its fuel cell subsidies under a major government support scheme for new energy vehicles (while cutting those for battery cars), but it will bring at least 300 fuel cell electric buses into service in 2017.
 
This development underpins continued growth in the sector worldwide, with the total number of shipments up by two-thirds on 2015. The transport industry is leading the way, with the number of car-related fuel cell shipments having doubled to 280 MW in the past year, while stationary energy shipments are also up 10 per cent to 200 MW.

David Hart, E4tech director and fuel cell and hydrogen expert, says: “This year’s report demonstrates the importance of a long-term outlook for governments that seek to support a growing industry. The sector remains fragile, but by supporting fuel cell-powered vehicles in tandem with funding for hydrogen infrastructure and projects developing roadmaps, monitoring and supply chain capabilities, the Chinese government is providing a real sense of direction for private sector firms to follow."
 
“But that’s only part of the equation. This is an important period in the development of fuel cells internationally. The sector is yet to fully mature and new players are entering the market all the time. This increased competition could lead to dramatic improvements in the energy solutions available. Savvy businesses should monitor the situation to make the most of breakthroughs as soon as they arrive", so David Hart.

The Fuel Cell Industry Review features the most comprehensive analysis of ongoing and emerging trends in the fuel cell sector. It shows extensive shipments data broken down according to region, application and technology to help readers from the worlds of business, finance and government to navigate the increasingly complex space. Additional findings from the report include:

  • The installed base of Japanese residential CHP fuel cell systems has grown by 25 per cent this year.
  • 2016 saw a two-thirds increase in the number of fuel cell-powered forklifts in operation, to 10,000.
  • If deployed properly, US laboratories believe fuel cells could help to halve greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The Japanese Government has set targets of 1.4m installations of fuel cell systems by 2020 and 5.3m by 2030.
  • Europe leads fuel cell bus use worldwide, with 18 buses operating in the UK and 17 in Germany.
  • 70 per cent of younger users felt ‘battery anxiety’ with smartphones, a concern heightened during the Pokémon Go craze.


This is the third such report from the E4tech-led team, which includes long-time industry experts Bob Rose and Jonathan Lewis. The team has combined experience of 65 years in the fuel cell space.

www.e4tech.com

 


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