Military Fuel Cell Market to Reach $1.2 Billion

Fuel cell manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) continue to benefit from an increased U.S. military emphasis on energy security and logistical efficiency associated with the complex and challenging operational conditions being encountered in remote wartime environments such as Afghanistan. At the same time, an almost complete dependence on a fragile and commercial power grid and other national critical infrastructure places military and homeland defense missions at an unacceptably high risk of extended disruption. These factors are leading the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and other military agencies to explore fuel cells as an increasingly important part of their energy strategy for a variety of applications. According to a new report from Pike Research, the escalating adoption of fuel cells will create a $1.2 billion market for military fuel cells by 2017, up from only $9 million in 2011. “Performance is the most powerful driving force for the adoption of fuel cells by the world’s armed forces,” says research analyst Euan Sadden. “Enhancing the overall capabilities and performance of the U.S. armed forces is the leading priority for U.S. military agencies in considering new technologies and products for funding and potential integration into various military systems. Low noise and low heat signature represent two good examples, providing specific benefits to military users that may not be as important to other customers. Overall, though, the most attractive attribute of fuel cell systems is their high energy density, particularly when compared to standard military batteries.”