Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) are electrochemical devices capable of generating electricity by converting methanol fuel at the anode. It was developed to eliminate the need of a reformer for conversion of methanol to hydrogen. 

The global direct methanol fuel cells market report by Market Research Future (MRFR) covers salient aspects such as opportunities, drivers, restraints, and challenges for the period of 2023 to 2030 (forecast period). MRFR is a premier market research firm with an exceptional record of doling out annual reports on major end-use industries.

Competitive Scope

• SFS Energy AG (Germany)
• Blue World Technologies (Denmark)
• Oorja Photonics Inc., (U.S.)
• Meoh Power (U.S.)
• Viaspace (U.S.)
• Roland Gumpert (Germany)
• Fujikura Limited (Japan)
• Antig Technology (Taiwan)
• Treadstone Technologies (U.S.)
• Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies (Singapore)

Market Scope

The global DMFC market is slated to balloon owing to demand for clean energy among various industries. Depletion of fossil fuels as well as inclination of industrial sectors towards renewable energy is likely to propel the market growth. Investments in fuel cell developments and government grants for encouraging research and development can bolster the global market demand. Scientists in Korea had developed a catalyst made of platinum nanoparticles for lowering methanol oxidation that causes platinum degradation.

The high storage capacity of DMFCs and use of cheap material for its manufacture can favor the market over the forecast period. Commercialization of these cells and its implementation in automobiles owing to its reliability and efficiency can drive market demand. The demand for consumer electronic devices and need for long battery life can also act as catalysts for the market growth. The COVID-19 pandemic had impeded the production in the market owing to restrictions placed by governments. But the industry can recover after reopening of economies.

But the market growth may be dull owing to high installation charges of the new technology.

Segmentation

Based on type, the global market has been segmented into electrode, balance of stack, balance of system, and membrane.

On the basis of component, the global market has been divided into serpentine flow field design and parallel flow field design. The serpentine flow field design is estimated to garner huge demand owing to its performance and robustness. It can reduce the probability of flooding and well suited for large and small membrane areas.

Based on application, the global market has been segmented into transportation, portable, and stationary. The stationary segment is set to lead in the market owing to applications in off-grid power, telecommunications, and defense sectors. The use of polymers for manufacturing bipolar plates for uniform distribution of fuel and air while conducting electrical current can drive its demand.

Based on power output, the global market has been segmented into less than 1KW, 1KW – 5KW, and above 5KW.

Regional Analysis

North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, and Rest-of-the-World (RoW) are major regions analyzed for measuring the growth of the global direct methanol fuel cells market.

APAC is predicted to hold a large market share and dominate the global market till the end of the forecast period. Increasing energy demand, growing population, and rise in expendable income levels of citizens are major drivers of the regional market. The focus on generating clean and renewable energy is estimated to drive the market penetration rate. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, APAC possesses close to two-thirds of renewable energy installations in 2017. This is expected to bode well for the market as more clients look for alternatives to fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

Industry News

Karma Automotive has collaborated with Blue World Technologies for developing a fuel cell system capable of being compatible with future passenger and light commercial vehicles. It uses a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for converting methanol to hydrogen. The company plans to test the fuel cell system in its latest vehicle, GS-6 plug-in hybrid.

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