Global Micro-CHP Market to Reach € 1billion In 2012

EDINBURGH, July 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The global micro-CHP market grew 38% to €466 million in 2011 and further growth to €1 billion is expected in 2012, according to the Annual Micro-CHP report from industry analysts Delta-ee. This is despite the challenges posed by the continuing global economic crisis.

Demand for fuel cell micro-CHP products has intensified in Japan  - where April and June saw as many systems being sold as in the whole of the previous year - while the German market has become a burgeoning 'hot spot' of activity in Europe.  

Changes in the political and regulatory landscape in each country - both of which support a move towards decentralised energy generation - have been critical factors behind these trends.  If micro-CHP fulfils its potential, the manufacturers and developers in Germany and Japan will be well positioned to become the global leaders in the industry.

Key findings of the annual report are as follows:

• Global market grows in size, installed capacity, and value - almost exclusively due to demand in Japan and Germany;
• Market showing consistent year-on-year growth  despite tough economic conditions;
• Dramatic increase in fuel cell micro-CHP sales in Japan, which also saw the first launch of an exciting new version of the technology (SOFC);
• Surge in new micro-CHP systems being launched: eight products commercialised in 2011 (six in Germany and two in Japan).

Micro-CHP enables consumers to heat their homes and simultaneously generate low carbon electricity that can be used within the home or exported to the grid.  It can save consumers money and contribute to Europe's transition to a low carbon economy, while also supporting the growth of renewables, heat pumps and electric vehicles by helping to balance supply & demand and stabilise the electricity grid.

Scott Dwyer, a Senior Analyst at Delta-ee commented:

"It is encouraging to see growing sales and new market entrants.  However, it seems likely that sales will be focussed in only two countries (Germany and Japan) going into 2013. The challenge for companies remains how to cross the 'chasm' - between the innovators and early adopters - and move through the niches into higher volumes.  For this to happen, government support and financial incentives remain of critical importance."

More information on sales figures is available from http://www.delta-ee.com.

About Delta-ee

Delta-ee provides commercial insight and market expertise in decentralised energy and low carbon strategies. With in-depth expertise of the European micro-CHP industry, the company has been tracking the micro-CHP markets and technologies since 2004. Delta-ee supports clients through providing strategic insight and rigorous analysis on market size, competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and potential for future growth. Clients include many of the major heating equipment manufacturers, energy companies, and technology developers from around the globe.

For more information, contact: Andy Bradley, Director of Business Development, Delta-ee, andy.bradley@delta-ee.com , +44(0)131-476-4259