Publication date: 29-December-2003 
Source: ABI Research

With 2003 drawing to a fast close, technology research firm ABI offers a glimpse as to what technological developments the coming year will bring. ABI's research directors offer the following predictions for the wireless, telematics, energy, and residential technologies industries:

Energy

Micro fuel cells will continue to attract much attention, with one or two Japanese companies expecting to ship their first limited commercial units to a handful of customer sites. These initial units will most likely be used without meeting all of the required regulatory approvals, especially those related to air travel. Although the military has shown interest in fuel cells, attracting the attention of a number of fuel cell companies, ABI does not expect any significant breakthroughs in 2004.

Stationary fuel cells shipments will still be a close function of overall economic growth, and Japan could be the first market for residential and small commercial unit shipments, albeit at very low numbers. More stationary units will also be seen in high-end reliable and quality power segments along with "free fuel" applications, such as wastewater treatment plants. On the transportation side, the year 2004 will be another test year for fuel cell vehicles with a limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure. Companies will continue to concentrate on improving the technological aspects of the system, from the fuel cell stack to hydrogen storage, with capital coming mostly from the US, EU, and Japanese governments.