Bloom energy seems to get the headlines when it comes to energy-generating fuel cells.
But this still tiny start-up is nowhere near top dog in a market that grew 41 percent last year, despite the global downturn.
Fuel cell shipments grew 41 percent last year despite the recession and car makers promised fuel-cell autos by 2015
Fuel cells are coming of age and most are getting little public recognition. Fuel cells are replacing power plants, powering food stores and going into residences to eliminate the need to draw energy from the electrical grid.
Last year, sales rose 41 percent, with 24,000 fuel cells shipping to users. This number is still small. But the prospect of employing fuel cells to make businesses or homes power self-sufficient is spawning big dreams of a world that no longer knows black outs or utility bills.
Bloom Energy last month launched its solid oxide cell, a shed-sized box targeting the commercial market and costing more than $700,000. The box uses a fuel, like methane or nature gas, to generate electricity. It anticipates a $3,000 consumer product in several years.
But such a product is already in the market. Nippon Oil sold about 2,500 home systems to Japanese consumers last year, and Toyota, along with Kyocera, Osaka Gas, Aisin Seiki, has plans to introduce its own model.
South Korea hopes to spawn a market of its own by granting 80 percent rebates to consumers.
Corporate customers are speaking up as well. Whole Foods is preparing to convert a second store. Utilities also want in. FuelCell Energy is installing 27.3 MW of capacity in Connecticut. Korea’s POSCO is installing more than twice that amount.
Meanwhile, progress continues in transportation. The number of hydrogen fuel stations in the U.S. almost doubled to 69 last year, with 27 in California, the most of any state. That’s because car makers are signing up. In 2009, companies including Ford, Honda, GM, Hyundai and Renault committed to having fuel-cell cars in the market by 2015.
Sure, Bloom gets to take the bows. But many in the industry aren’t standing still waiting for the applause to die down.
Posted by Mark Boslet 
