Global Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Market size is estimated to surpass USD 11.09 Billion by the end of 2031, growing at a CAGR of 26.4% during the forecast period, i.e., 2022-2031. In the year 2021, the industry size of solid oxide fuel cell was around USD 1.07 Billion. The growth of the market is due to the new market opportunities in different applications. SOFCs are developed as a source of efficient, low-cost electricity as reversible SO cells, and as solid oxide electrolyzers (SOEC), from natural gas distributed power generation, which have many applications in distributed generation, energy storage, telecom backup, combined heat and power, sensors, power to chemicals and fuels, data centers, ships, and others.
Moreover, the increased adoption of solid oxide fuel cells in data centers is driving their demand across the globe. It provides high-efficiency electricity to data centers while utilizing current natural gas infrastructure for fuel. For instance, there are nearly three million data centers in the United States.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
High Capital Cost Associated with Solid Oxide Fuel Cell - A solid oxide fuel cell is an intricate synthesis of multiple chemical components that electrocatalytically oxidizes methane, LPG, and other natural gas-based fuels to generate electricity. Since, the fundamental chemical reaction is exothermic, SOFC runs at extremely high temperatures, typically between 700°C-1,200°C. Conventional ceramic electrolytes are ineffective at these temperatures. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is therefore required as an electrolyte. Zirconium possesses properties that resemble those of titanium and a melting point of 1,852 °C. Zirconium, however, costs about twice as much per unit as usual ceramic-based electrolytes.
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Base Year |
2021 |
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Forecast Year |
2022-2031 |
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CAGR |
26.4% |
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Base Year Market Size (2021) |
USD 1.07 Billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2031) |
USD 11.09 Billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Type (Planar, Tubular)
The planar segment in the solid oxide fuel cell market is estimated to gain a significant revenue share over the projected time frame. By the end of 2031, the planar segment is anticipated to garner a revenue of USD 7.04 billion. The uncomplicated geometry and relatively simple construction method are credited with contributing to the emergence of the planar solid oxide fuel cell. Planar solid oxide fuel cells are a preferred choice for power backup and voltage variations due to their high efficiency, large capacity, and continuous power generation capability. Planar SOFCs reach larger power densities than tubular SOFCs. For instance, Elcogen AS provides solid oxide cells which are compatible with third-party stacks. These are anode-supported, planar, ceramic cells. The operating temperature of the cell which is low i.e., (650°C) allows for extended lifetimes and the use of low-cost components at the stack and system levels.
End-User (Data Centers, Residential, Commercial & Retail)
By the end of 2031, the commercial & retail segment in the solid oxide fuel cell market is anticipated to garner a revenue of USD 5.07 billion. The segment is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.5% during the forecast period. The expansion of this market sector is driven by rising energy demand from these industries while lowering emissions. Due to their affordability, compact size, and quiet operation, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are the perfect source of energy for commercial customers. Thermal integration with current boilers and HVAC systems is also possible due to the high-temperature waste heat from SOFC. For instance, German company Bosch has created a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system for business and industrial uses and is prepared to ramp up manufacturing in 2024. This system can run on hydrogen, natural gas, biomethane, or different blendings, with an electrical efficiency of greater than 60% and an overall efficiency of approximately 85%.
Our in-depth analysis of the global solid oxide fuel cell market includes the following segments:
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Type |
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Mobility |
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Application |
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End User |
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APAC Market Forecast
The Asia Pacific solid oxide fuel cell market is projected to grow at a significant CAGR of 27%. The Asia Pacific market is projected to account for USD 6.25 billion by the end of 2031. The growth in the market is credited to the new plans launched for the adoption of solid oxide fuel cells. For instance, programs funded by the government such as ENE-FARM in Japan, along with rising demand for energy-efficient power generation likely to boost the growth of the market. Furthermore, the research and development for the technology of SOFC is continuously rising, further boosting the market growth in the region. For instance, a new department was formed in CSIR-CGCRI, Kolkata, India known as “Fuel Cell & Battery (FCB)” to develop viable technologies in different important and upcoming areas in the non-conventional energy sector namely solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC).
North American Market Statistics
The market in North America is estimated to witness tremendous growth with a gain of USD 3.03 billion throughout the forecast period. The growth of the solid oxide fuel cell market in the region is owing to the mounting energy demand, rapid urbanization, and increasing use of electricity, especially extracted from renewable sources. For instance, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, total U.S. electricity consumption in 2022 was 14 times greater than electricity use in 1950 equivalent to approximately 4.05 trillion kWh. Besides, in 2021, annual energy production was equal to 97.78 quads and consumption equaled 97.33 quads. Furthermore, about 61% of total electricity generation in 2021 in the United States was produced from fossil fuels. The electric power sector is a large source of CO2 emissions in the country and emitted about 32% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in 2021.
Author Credits: Payel Roy, Dhruv Bhatia
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