WASHINGTON, USA: The fuel cell industry reports substantial job growth and gains in sales and research spending in the most recent reporting year, according to a 2007 Worldwide Industry Survey.

Participating companies reported a 22 percent gain in fuel cell specific employment, to 8,647 employees. Reported global sales were up 10 percent to $387 million. Research spending was up 4 percent to $829 million. All are 2006 figures compared to 2005.

This is the industry’s fourth global survey, sponsored by the US Fuel Cell Council, Fuel Cell Commercialization Conference of Japan, Fuel Cell Europe, and Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada. Reporting is voluntary; 182 organizations participated.

PricewaterhouseCoopers of Vancouver, Canada, conducts the survey to protect company data, and compiles results under contract with USFCC.

“These figures confirm fuel cells are increasing their contribution to economic and to energy security. The 22 percent job growth, atop a 12 percent increase last year, is particularly heartening,” said Robert Rose, USFCC Executive Director. “In the US, these figures likely reflect the impact of the federal tax credit for fuel cells adopted in 2005. Renewal this year is vital to our industry.”

"The results clearly show the fuel cell industry is gaining commercial traction in key early markets," remarked John Tak, President, Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Canada. "Canada continues to demonstrate leadership across a variety of applications, including BC Transit’s deployment of 20 buses in Whistler, the world’s largest deployment of hydrogen fuel cell buses in one location."

"I am delighted to see that the results over the last several years show overall continuing increases of sales, R&D investment and jobs globally,” said Patrick Maio, Executive Director, Fuel Cell Europe. “Our efforts are paying off. Technology is starting to meet market requirements. Fuel cell technology has never been more compelling to take on the challenges of our energy and climate change global crisis."

"These are important times in the development of the industry, with heightened awareness of climate change and energy efficiency," said Alastair Nimmons, a PricewaterhouseCoopers' director specializing in alternative energy. "Some early markets are opening; companies are working hard to meet customer demands for performance and cost. The Worldwide Survey provides an important sector snapshot."