HARC Publishes Fuel Cell Industry Assessment Report

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--March 22, 2006--The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) has published its annual Fuel Cell Industry Assessment Report. Available for purchase through the center (http://www.harc.edu/fuelcell), the report provides summaries of the commercial activities of 110 key fuel cell stack developers and system manufacturers. An introductory chapter analyzes ongoing trends in the fuel cell industry, including market conditions and drivers.

The report found 2005 a difficult year for the industry with a number of companies experiencing financial stress. While only a few companies showcased compelling new products, many reported progress in applications, such as forklifts, industrial trucks, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS). These improvements pushed some products closer to market viability.

Despite delays in product launch related to performance and other issues, such as codes and standards, about 38 of the companies surveyed are expected to unveil pre-market or commercial products in 2006.

Also encouraging is that auto companies working with fuel cell technologies are sticking to a 2010 date for introduction of fuel cells into the vehicle market. The launch of residential PEM cogeneration units into the Japanese market and progress made at Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) support optimism about the technologies as well.

The report also suggests that government action to address fuel costs, supply risks, and environment could make a dramatic impact on fuel cell prospects in the next couple of years.

Of the developers included in the report, about 60 percent are working on polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell (or closely related direct methanol fuel cell) technologies.

For more information about the report, visit http://www.harc.edu/fuelcell

HARC is a nonprofit organization, based in The Woodlands, Texas, dedicated to improving human and environmental well-being through the application of sustainability science and the principles of sustainable development. Major program themes include air and climate; clean energy; environmental health; water resources; ecosystems; and the built environment. For more information about HARC and its fuel cell program, visit www.harc.edu.