Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) and Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) Global Market to Reach $1.2 Billion in 2017: BCC Research

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Wellesley, MA (PRWEB) July 08, 2013 -- According to a new technical market research report, Materials for Proton Exchange Membranes and Membrane Electrode Assemblies for PEM Fuel Cells (Report Code: FCB035D), from BCC Research (http://www.bccresearch.com), the global PEMFC MEA market reached $444 million in 2012. According to the report, the market is projected to reach $1.2 billion in 2017, registering a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.1%.

Identified as a practical solution to many of the technological and environmental problems facing the world today, PEMFCs are an increasingly attractive power source for transportation, stationary distributive power, and small-scale applications such as portable electronic products. This BCC Research report breaks the global market for PEMFC MEA into four segments: membranes, bipolar plates/collectors, inks and catalysts, and gaseous diffusion layer (GDL) and carbon -- with the membrane segment alone expected to be worth $489 million in 2017, and yielding a CAGR of 21.3%. Bipolar plates/collectors, the segment claiming the second-largest share, was valued at $117 million in 2012 and is expected to reach $304 million in 2017, registering a CAGR of 21.0%.

There are huge potential profits in this market and it is these prospective gains that are driving the technological innovation in a somewhat chaotic environment. However, there are barriers to wider scale use, especially in automotive transportation. Other market forces discussed in this report include consumer desire for premium portable power, limits in the power and durability of lithium ion/polymer battery technology, and impeding forces like environmental regulation.

PEMFC development and commercialization is an ever-changing process. In the process of this evolution, the different PEMs and MEAs will evolve and be adapted to more specific uses. Identifying how researchers are searching for better membranes that have greater tolerances to poisoning, greater durability and lower costs is a major objective of this analysis.

This report from BCC Research identifies the global market for materials for proton exchange membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for PEM fuel cells. It analyzes the market trends with data from 2011 and 2012, and projections of CAGRs through 2017. The study identifies the opportunities and technological requirements of the PEMFC and the MEA and the bipolar plates for the PEMFC. It also discusses the history and advancing technology of these components, the companies involved in these developments, the current and projected incentives, and the projected markets for such technologies. Finally, the report provides presentations of consensus, optimistic and pessimistic scenarios, patent analysis and a discussion for power sources and vehicle components, as well as comprehensive company profiles of major players.

This report is intended for potential fuel cell users and makers and can also provide valuable information to manufacturers, material suppliers, local, state and federal government entities, and anyone who is interested in the precious metals market, nanomaterials, or alternative catalysts.

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