Germany
Special Markets
Some fuel cell systems are already on the brink of market entry. These products are usually used in niche markets, which are referred to as special or early markets.
Uses for fuel cells range here from network-independent or critical power supplies in the information technology and telecommunications sectors (computer centers, mobile/fixed-line radio base stations) and logistics (fork-lift trucks) or portable applications (cell phones, cameras) to applications in the leisure and tourism market.
The leisure and tourism market holds many possibilities for fuel cell applications, and NOW is funding appropriate projects in this field. Initial individual projects in South Germany have been combined into the BODENSEE lighthouse project, which enables cross-sectional topics to be processed efficiently and for synergies to be created.
The BODENSEE project is testing the use of fuel cells for onboard power supplies for camping vehicles (e.g., camper vans, caravans) and drives for leisure vehicles (e.g., boots, light vehicles). In line with proven lighthouse project principles, these tests take place under everyday conditions. A further aim is to attract the high level of public attention that is possible for fuel cell applications in this sector. The BODENSEE lighthouse project has the support of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg as main partner for a period of one year.
Products
The only commercial products are from SFC Smart Fuel Cell. The company specializes in mobile energy for leisure, industrial, and military applications. SFC Smart Fuel Cell has been selling its fuel cells to industrial and retail customers for more than four years already. The company has also established a commercial infrastructure to distribute its fuel cartridges.