Fuel Cells are Generating Power and Attention in Stationary Applications
PR Newswire - June 18, 1998 15:43
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Kline's Report, Opportunities in Advanced Fuel Cell Technologies for Power Generation, Assesses the Industry and Makes Predictions About Its Future
FAIRFIELD, N.J. June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuel cells are in the initial stages of being commercially deployed in stationary power generation in North America. "Major application sites include: military installations; hospitals; hotels; office buildings; and utility power plants," according to Michael Corbett, Project Manager at Kline & Company, Inc., a Fairfield, New Jersey- based business consulting firm. In addition to fuel cell manufacturers, Corbett notes, "this technology is creating significant business opportunities for material suppliers, utility and power generators, and investors."
The US Government, through the "Climate Change Fuel Cell Program" has recently provided $10.6 million in grants for the installation of 53 fuel cells for stationary power generation applications. According to Corbett, "These grants are to assist with the purchase of new units and are in the form of $1,000 rebates per kilowatt." Corbett notes, "Interest in this program has been so strong that it is reportedly full, with more organizations seeking grants than are available."
It is anticipated that the global demand for electricity will nearly double by the year 2015. Recent estimates have stated that there are close to 100 fuel cell systems operating around the world. Most of these systems are in the 200kW range and most are operating in United States, Japan, or West Europe. Sales of fuel cells are currently estimated at between 40 to 50 units a year, of approximately 200kW capacity. Recent industry estimates have placed the demand for fuel cells between 2,500 and 6,000 megawatts by 2010. Cinergy Corporation has publicly stated that it is committed to 1.4 gigawatts or 1,400 megawatts installed fuel cell capacity by 2009.
This apparent growing demand coupled with such environmental issues as the Clean Air Act, the Kyoto Protocols, and the emergence of "environmentally sensitive areas," will drive the demand for fuel cells to meet new power generation requirements.
In addition, Corbett notes, "Utility deregulation is another trend that will have a large impact on fuel cell demand." Fuel cells provide an attractive option as utilities are looking for new ways to compete, grow, meet varying customer requirements and gain greater efficiencies. Fuel cell based generating stations typically have operating efficiencies ranging from 40% to 50%. In comparison, many generating stations operate at 30% to 35% efficiency. Corbett continues, "Fuel cells offer utilities new ways to meet changing customer needs with incremental capacity expansions, and without large capital investments in fixed infrastructures."
The basis of fuel cell technology is different from historic norms. According to Corbett, "There will be new opportunities for companies with the ability to meet the changing requirements and this will allow start-up firms and new competitors to participate in emerging markets by bringing the required skill sets and technologies to commercialize this technology on a large scale." Corbett cautions, however, "although there is a good deal of optimism about fuel cell technology, assessing how your business can participate in this growth opportunity is a complex question that requires careful planning and pragmatic, fact-based decision making."
To assist companies assess new and emerging opportunities in fuel cell technology, Kline & Company is marketing a comprehensive report on this topic, entitled OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCED FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGIES - STATIONARY POWER GENERATION, 1998 TO 2008. The report is specifically designed to provide fuel cell manufacturers, material suppliers, investors, and utility and power generators with a clear understanding of the opportunities presented by fuel cell technology in stationary power generation applications. In addition, the report delivers critical information and insights required to make well informed strategic business decisions about fuel cell technology.
Established in 1959, Kline & Company is an international business consulting firm that offers a broad range of services to the specialty chemicals and materials industry. Over the last five years, Kline has completed more than 20 projects related to advanced energy technologies.
For information on how to subscribe to this study, contact Michael Corbett, Project Manager, directly at Kline & Company, Inc. (973) 808-3457. Kline & Company, 165 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield, NJ 07004.
SOURCE Kline & Company, Inc.
/CONTACT: Michael Corbett, Project Manager of Kline & Company Co.,
973-808-3457/
/Web site: klinegroup.com |
