January 2007

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The 2006 Worldwide Fuel Cell Industry Survey shows reported sales last year were up 7% to $353 million in 2005 over 2004, and research and development outlays were up 11% to $796 million in the same period. The study, reported first at the recent Fuel Cell Seminar in Hawaii (H&FCL Dec. 06) also found that fuel cell industry-specific employment increased 12% to 7,074 employees. The survey, now in its fourth year, canvassed members of the US Fuel Cell Council, Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada, Fuel Cell Europe and the Fuel Cell Commercialization Conference of Japan. A total of 159 participants, 88% of all respondents, provided sales data. PEM technology accounted for the largest share with 46%, followed by solid oxide technology (14%) and direct methanol (9%). Small stationary markets (50 kW or less) was the focus for 24% of respondents, followed by portables at 18%, vehicle drive (17%), large stationary (16%), fueling infrastructure (14%), and auxiliary vehicle power (11%). PriceWaterhouseCoopers of Vancouver, Canada, compiled the data under contract to the US Fuel Cell Council (USFCC).

Contact: USFCC, Robert Rose, 202/293-5500 x 11; brose@usfcc.com