DOE reports the U.S. at the forefront of the global fuel cell industry with significant advancements in the fuel cell and hydrogen technologies market.
On December 19, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released three reports highlighting strong progress in the U.S. fuel cell and hydrogen technologies market. The U.S. remains at the forefront of the global fuel cell industry, with U.S. companies accounting for approximately 80 percent of 2012 investments. With industry support, DOE national laboratories’ research and development (R&D) efforts have reduced fuel cell costs by more than 50 percent since 2006 and fuel cell durability has doubled since 2005.
Automotive fuel cell costs have reduced from $275/kW in 2002 to $47/kW in 2012, on track to reach DOE’s goal of $30/kW in 2017. Further, use of expensive platinum in fuel cells has reduced by 80 percent since 2005.
Projected Transportation Fuel Cell System Cost (EERE)
The 2012 Fuel Cell Technologies Market report describes market trends, highlighting continued growth in commercial fuel cell deployments. In 2012, U.S. represented the largest market for fuel cell-based material handling equipment. Nationwide fuel cell shipments increased from 1,000 units to approximately 5,000 units during 2008-2012 and domestic manufacturing increased by more than 60 percent during 2011-2012. With ongoing R&D efforts, light-duty fuel cell electric vehicles are expected to be commercialized by 2017. DOE’s H2USA, a public-private partnership, addresses hydrogen infrastructure challenges to facilitate additional transportation options.
The State of the States, Fuel Cells in America 2013 report, describing state efforts to foster fuel cell manufacturing and deployment, recognizes California, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, and South Carolina as the top five states. It also underscores the role of cities and towns, such as San Diego’s 2.4 MW fuel cell installation and Spartanburg’s BMW production facility which has the world’s largest fuel cell material handling fleet. DOE and the Houston Galveston Area Council operate 20 heavy duty hydrogen fuel cell electric hybrid trucks in the Houston Port area.
The Pathways to Commercial Success: Technologies and Products Supported by the Fuel Cell Technologies Office, a report on DOE’s fuel cell R&D efforts over the last 10 years, highlights the development of approximately 40 new commercial technologies. DOE is expected to commercialize 65 new technologies in the next three to five years and issue more than 450 patents.
December 20, 2013 via Energy Solutions Forum
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