Consistent R and D efforts are expected to yield dividends as fuel cells emerge as the preferred distributed generation technology, and to play a dominant role in redefining the European energy industry in the future. As combined heat and power (CHP)-based fuel cell systems offer significant prospects for market expansion, current R and D efforts are focused on attaining technological breakthroughs that will result in enhanced product offerings at competitive price levels. Frost and Sullivan finds that the European stationary fuel cells market is expected to achieve commercialisation by the end of this decade and is estimated to reach US $197.00 million in 2010.

'Fuel cells will play a pivotal role in the European energy industry in the future due to their high electrical efficiencies as well as their environment-friendly profile', notes Frost and Sullivan Research Analyst Hema Sarathy.

'Threats over the security of fuel supply coupled with increasing concern about air pollution and emission control are strengthening the case in favour of fuel cells as a preferred form of distributed generation technology'.

Fuel cells show electrical efficiencies of 40 to 49% in comparison with other competing technologies, which display electrical efficiencies close to 30 to 35%.

In a cogeneration mode, fuel cell systems can achieve an electrical efficiency of close to 80 to 85%.

Hence, higher efficiencies and improved benefits will result in CHP-based fuel cell systems leading the expansion of the stationary fuel cells market during the initial years of commercialisation.

Currently, major concerns revolve around enhancing the reliability and durability of fuel cells.

The lack of robustness in current fuel cell systems is affecting their performance in comparison to traditional technologies.

Moreover, high capital and operating costs are proving a major deterrent to commercialisation with customers awaiting cost reductions for an enhanced value proposition.

Hence, the adoption of fuel cell systems is doubtful without an improved and more competitive product and price offering.

'The stationary fuel cell industry is currently in a demonstration and a product validation stage, where the focus is not only on product development, but also on understanding the requirements of customers in order to enhance the product solution', says Sarathy.

'The industry is looking forward to strategic alliances and partnerships of system manufacturers with utilities and component suppliers to develop a complete fuel cell product portfolio matching customer needs'.

Product innovations coupled with process improvements will be critical to achieving increased robustness and lowered costs.

Focussed research into new materials, improved manufacturing processes and augmented process capabilities will enable a smooth transition from the current demonstration, product development phase to a more commercial stage.