Fuel Cell Today report identifies opportunities in Russian fuel cell industry

Fuel Cell Today, the leading information provider on the global fuel cell industry, highlights in its new Survey of Russia 2010, published today, the substantial opportunities for stack and systems manufacturers in the Russian fuel cell industry.

This unique market study takes a detailed look at the fuel cell industry in a country that remains one of the world’s most fascinating emerging markets, not least for new energy technologies such as fuel cells. Along with Brazil, India and China, the country is returning to rapid economic growth following a brief period of recession. In terms of the fuel cell supply chain, Russia has an unparalleled energy and natural resources base, R&D expertise developed over many decades (mainly through the military-industrial complex of the Soviet era), an emerging component manufacturing sector, and a number of distinct end-use application niches.

The free version of the report, available today, identifies that there are relatively few commercial fuel cell companies in Russia and a very limited appetite from government for fuel cell technology. The dominance of traditional fossil fuels in the energy mix and a top-down approach to manufacturing and the supply chain are also substantial barriers to fuel cell adoption. However, a number of investors have begun to show interest in fuel cells in Russia, spurred by the research expertise and promising end-user markets in the country.

Author of the report, Dr. Jonathan Butler, says “there are immediate opportunities for fuel cells in a wide variety of applications in Russia, from control systems and cathode protection for natural gas pipelines, uninterruptible power for mining operations or combined heat and power for residential buildings. The gaps in the supply chain mean that there is potential for Russian and non-Russian companies to enter the supply chain as component, stack or system manufacturers’.

The report is available as a free version, or a more detailed full syndicated version. Both are available from http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/online/survey?survey=2010-07%2F2010-Russia

Source: Fuel Cell Today