Global Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell (RFMC) Market - 2023-2030

Global Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell (RFMC) Market - 2023-2030

Global Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell (RFMC) Market reached US$ 2.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 5.9 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 16.2% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

The global reform methanol fuel cell market is growing rapidly due to the increasing demand for clean and efficient power sources. Methanol can be produced from various sources, including natural gas, coal, biomass, landfill gas and industrial emissions. It diversity of feedstock options makes methanol a versatile and readily available clean energy source. Methanol can also be produced from renewable resources like biomass, further enhancing its environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

Methanol is gaining traction as a marine fuel due to its suitability for ships. It growth is driven by international regulatory changes that impose stricter emissions standards on the maritime industry. Methanol's advantages include being sulfur-free, producing low emissions, offering cost advantages compared to marine distillate fuel and achieving a higher score on the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) energy efficiency design index (EEDI) compared to LNG or diesel. The benefits make methanol an attractive option for the shipping sector, contributing to the market's growth.

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest region in the reformed methanol fuel cell market. Methanol has gained significant traction as a transportation fuel globally. According to the ""Methanol Institute"" report, China, in particular, has taken the lead in using methanol as a clean-burning fuel in its existing cars, trucks and buses. Approximately 7% of China's total transportation fuel pool is represented by methanol. The conversion of hundreds of thousands of vehicles in China to run on high-proportion methanol fuels, including neat methanol (M100) and M85 (a blend of 85% methanol and 15% gasoline), demonstrates the growing acceptance of methanol in the automotive sector.

Dynamics

Clean Energy Demand

With the growing demand for clean energy in EVs increasing the demand for reformed methanol fuel cells, the automotive industry is undergoing a green revolution as it strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Transportation, particularly vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, contributes significantly to emissions. Governments globally are pushing for cleaner alternatives to combat climate change.

Methanol plays a crucial role in the development of fuel cells, including reformed methanol fuel cells. The fuel cells utilize methanol as a hydrogen carrier, making it an ideal option for various applications, including vehicle propulsion. Methanol, with its chemical formula CH3OH, contains a significant amount of hydrogen, more than any other stable liquid under normal conditions.

For instance, Farizon Auto, a new energy commercial vehicle brand under the Geely Holding Group, has introduced the Farizon G Truck Product Series featuring three innovative new energy products: the Farizon G pure electric heavy truck, the Farizon G methanol hybrid heavy truck and the Farizon G reformed methanol fuel cell heavy truck. The trucks, based on the advanced GXA-T architecture developed by Farizon, are designed to contribute significantly to logistics operations during the upcoming 19th Hangzhou Asian Games.

Expanding Use of Methanol as a Hydrogen Carrier

The growing demand for reformed methanol fuel cells can be attributed to a hydrogen carrier. Methanol is recognized as an extremely efficient hydrogen carrier, packing a significant amount of hydrogen within a single alcohol molecule. It feature makes it a practical and efficient means of storing and transporting hydrogen. Unlike gaseous hydrogen, methanol is a liquid at ambient conditions, which simplifies its handling, storage and transportation. Existing infrastructure supporting the global trade of methanol can be leveraged for these purposes.

Methanol reformers can generate hydrogen on demand at the point of use. It eliminates the complexity and high costs associated with the logistics of storing and transporting gaseous hydrogen as a fuel. For instance, e1 is set to announce a new partnership with a significant Asian vehicle manufacturer of heavy-duty (HD) trucks. It partnership is likely to focus on the integration of e1's methanol to H2-generator technology into HD trucks, further expanding the application of their technology in the transportation sector.

Addressing Carbon Monoxide Challenges

The reformed hydrogen fuel cell market can be significantly impacted by the, reformed hydrogen fuel cells primarily related to the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) in the hydrogen produced through methanol reforming. CO is a poison for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell catalysts operating at temperatures below 100 °C. When CO is present in the hydrogen fuel, it can significantly degrade the performance and efficiency of PEM fuel cells. It is a critical concern because many fuel cell applications, including automotive fuel cells, operate in this temperature range.

To use hydrogen produced through methanol-reforming in PEM fuel cells, the reformed gas must be cleaned to remove CO. It additional cleaning step reduces the overall efficiency of the process. Energy and resources are required to remove CO, making the overall hydrogen production process less efficient. Researchers are actively working on solutions to minimize or eliminate CO in reformed hydrogen to improve the performance and efficiency of fuel cell systems.

Segment Analysis

The global reformed methanol fuel cell market is segmented based on component, application and region.

Methanol Reformers: Pioneering Clean Energy in the Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell Market

Methanol reformer is the major component in the methanol-reformed fuel cell market, methanol reformers efficiently produce hydrogen gas (H2) from methanol (CH3OH) and water (H2O). It hydrogen can then be used as a clean fuel source for fuel cells to generate electricity. Methanol reformers are suitable for a variety of applications, including portable electronic devices, backup power systems, stationary power generation and transportation. Its versatility has expanded their market reach.

Ongoing research and development efforts have improved the efficiency and reliability of methanol reformers. The advancements have contributed to the growth of the methanol-reformer segment in the reformed methanol fuel cell market. Methanol can be distributed using existing fuel supply chains, making it readily available for various end-users and applications.

Geographical Penetration

Asia-Pacific's Growing Role in the Reformed Methanol Fuel Cell Market

Asia-Pacific is experiencing significant growth in the reformed methanol fuel cell market. The Chinese government has set ambitious carbon goals, including reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. To achieve these targets, China is actively exploring alternative fuels like methanol. The government's support for methanol cars and related industries demonstrates its commitment to this transition.

In 2019, the Chinese national government released a policy supporting methanol fuel, particularly in public transport, taxis and government vehicles. Local officials have also started offering subsidies to methanol car buyers and supporting gas stations in providing methanol fuel. Also, the number of EVs in region has grown significantly in the past decade, while methanol cars are still relatively limited in number.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include SFC Energy AG, EFOY Pro, SerEnergy A.S, Blue World Technologies, Fujikura Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Oorja photonics inc., ULTRACELL LLC.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

COVID-19 pandemic made a significant impact on the methanol fuel cell market, pandemic led to a significant reduction in demand for hydrogen, particularly in sectors such as oil refining, the chemical industry and steel manufacturing. The industries, which are major consumers of hydrogen, experienced disruptions and reduced production due to lockdowns and decreased economic activity. As a result, demand for key chemicals produced using hydrogen, including methanol, dropped by 7%.

Prior to the pandemic, there was strong momentum in the development and adoption of low-carbon forms of hydrogen, including hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and electrolysis capacity. However, the crisis disrupted supply chains, delayed projects and impacted investment in these technologies. Sales of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and the deployment of electrolyzer capacity faced challenges, potentially slowing down the growth of these sectors.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The Russia-Ukraine war made a significant impact on the reformed methanol fuel cell market. The conflict in Ukraine has drawn attention to the importance of an orderly energy transition, especially in the maritime industry. With international environmental regulations becoming more stringent, there is a growing need for cleaner marine fuels and methanol is emerging as a viable option.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has raised concerns about energy security, especially for the European Union (EU), a major buyer of Russian gas. Countries, particularly Germany, are reconsidering their reliance on cheap Russian gas and exploring alternative energy sources, including cleaner marine fuels like methanol. War has underscored the importance of an orderly energy transition, driving interest in cleaner marine fuels like methanol.

By Component
• Methanol reformer
• Fuel cell stack
• Membrane
• Cathode and anode
• Bipolar plates

By Application
• Portable
• Stationary
• Transportation
• Military Vehicle
• Others

By Region
• North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
• South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments
• In June 2023, Farizon Auto, a new energy commercial vehicle brand under Geely Holding Group, introduced three new energy heavy trucks as part of its Farizon G Truck Product Series. The trucks represent advancements in sustainable transportation. It heavy truck utilizes reformed methanol fuel cell technology, showcasing a commitment to innovative solutions in the field of new energy vehicles. It likely combines the advantages of methanol fuel cells with reformed methanol for improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
• In May 2022, Aalborg University and Blue World Technologies collaborated on a hybrid reformed methanol fuel cell system combining a methanol fuel cell and a battery for telecom power backup. With the global telecommunications industry's growing power demands, especially with 5G technology, this hybrid system aims to provide a greener and more efficient solution than traditional backup systems. Methanol fuel cells offer a practical and environmentally friendly approach to ensure network stability.
• In July 2023, German fuel cell supplier SFC Energy (SFC) initiated the production of hydrogen and methanol fuel cells at its manufacturing facility in New Delhi/Gurgaon, India. It development underscores the growing importance of fuel cell technology and its role in decarbonizing industry and energy production, particularly in the context of India's sustainable manufacturing goals.

Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the global reformed methanol fuel cell market segmentation based on component, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of reformed methanol fuel cell market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global reformed methanol fuel cell market report would provide approximately 48 tables, 49 figures and 195 Pages.

Target Audience 2023
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies