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The graphite or metal bipolar plates that equally distribute the fuel and oxidant to the fuel cell’s cells are known as bipolar plates. At the output terminals, they also gather the electric current that is generated. There is no bipolar plate in a single-cell fuel cell, but there is a single-sided plate that allows electrons to flow.
There is at least one bipolar plate in fuel cells with several cells (flow control exists on both sides of the plate). The bipolar plates in the fuel cell provide a number of purposes. The distribution of fuel and oxidant within the cells, the separation of the various cells, the collection of the generated electric current, the evacuation of water from each cell, the humidification of the gases, and the cooling of the cells are a few of these functions.
Additionally, bipolar plates feature passages that permit the movement of reactants (fuel and oxidant) from one side to the other. On the opposing edges of the bipolar plate, they create the anode and cathode chambers. The flow channels’ layout might differ; they could be straight, helical, parallel, comb-like, or uniformly spaced.
The Global bipolar plates market accounted for $XX Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2030.
Dana Incorporated will present solutions for industrial transformation in the mobility sector at the Hannover Messe virtual trade show. Dana Incorporated is a global leader in the design and manufacture of highly efficient propulsion and energy-management solutions for all mobility markets.
At the conference, Dana will showcase its metallic and composite bipolar plate technology for fuel cell stacks. In order to improve the performance of the fuel cell stack, bipolar plates are a crucial component. Depending on the application and the requirements of the customer, Dana offers both metallic and composite plates.
Elcon offers photochemically etched bipolar plates that are highly strong, long-lasting, and suitable for use in a variety of harsh environments. Photochemical etching is not only a desirable manufacturing process but, in some cases, the only technology suitable for critical components due to the geometric complexity and tolerances it offers.
Joint venture for bipolar plates was launched by Schaeffler and Symbio. A globally operating joint venture for the production of bipolar plates for fuel cells with a proton exchange membrane has been established by Schaeffler and Symbio, the joint venture of Faurecia and Michelin (PEM). Unexpectedly, a major international automaker placed an order with Symbio for a project.
The manufacturing of the bipolar plates for this is supposed to be handled by the joint venture. Schaeffler will be the joint venture’s “sole customer,” as they are both shareholders. Supplying third-party customers is therefore presumably not intended. An essential part of the fuel cell is the bipolar plate (BPP), which controls the flow of hydrogen, air, and energy as well as the release of water vapor and heat. For the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall fuel cell, it is therefore a key component.
“Accelerate and facilitate the mass production of next-generation BPP” is what Innoplate is intended to do. The joint venture unites “the know-how of key European automotive suppliers with a global leader in automotive fuel cell technology who together see huge potential in the growing hydrogen economy.
Metallic bipolar plates for fuel cells are a strategically important, highly valuable part of the fuel cell system. Innoplate will play a crucial role in securing the serial manufacturing capabilities that will support the programs of their clients and the market penetration of hydrogen mobility, while also speeding up improved system performance and a significant improvement in the cost competitiveness of innovative solutions.
Additionally, it is evidence of Symbio’s commitment to strengthening Europe’s industrial and technological leadership. The industrialization of trustworthy supply chains for the new technologies will be crucial for the development of a hydrogen economy and the shift to sustainable energy sources.
The joint venture with Symbio is an excellent illustration of this strategy. As a multinational corporation with its headquarters in Germany, they are delighted to collaborate with Symbio in France and further Franco-German cooperation in this crucial sector.
The objective is to economically map the manufacture of fuel cell stacks using systems of production that are scalable and industry-oriented. The supplier is testing the storage of hydrogen in an organic carrier liquid as an alternative to pressurized storage of the gas as part of another collaboration with Hydrogenious.
North America
The North American market, particularly the USA, will be one of the prime markets for (Bipolar Plates) due to the nature of industrial automation in the region, high consumer spending compared to other regions, and the growth of various industries, mainly AI, along with constant technological advancements. The GDP of the USA is one of the largest in the world, and it is home to various industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace, and Technology. The average consumer spending in the region was $72K in 2023, and this is set to increase over the forecast period. Industries are focused on industrial automation and increasing efficiency in the region. This will be facilitated by the growth in IoT and AI across the board. Due to tensions in geopolitics, much manufacturing is set to shift towards the USA and Mexico, away from China. This shift will include industries such as semiconductors and automotive.
Europe
The European market, particularly Western Europe, is another prime market for (Bipolar Plates) due to the strong economic conditions in the region, bolstered by robust systems that support sustained growth. This includes research and development of new technologies, constant innovation, and developments across various industries that promote regional growth. Investments are being made to develop and improve existing infrastructure, enabling various industries to thrive. In Western Europe, the margins for (Bipolar Plates) are higher than in other parts of the world due to regional supply and demand dynamics. Average consumer spending in the region was lower than in the USA in 2023, but it is expected to increase over the forecast period.
Eastern Europe is anticipated to experience a higher growth rate compared to Western Europe, as significant shifts in manufacturing and development are taking place in countries like Poland and Hungary. However, the Russia-Ukraine war is currently disrupting growth in this region, with the lack of an immediate resolution negatively impacting growth and creating instability in neighboring areas. Despite these challenges, technological hubs are emerging in Eastern Europe, driven by lower labor costs and a strong supply of technological capabilities compared to Western Europe.
There is a significant boom in manufacturing within Europe, especially in the semiconductor industry, which is expected to influence other industries. Major improvements in the development of sectors such as renewable energy, industrial automation, automotive manufacturing, battery manufacturing and recycling, and AI are poised to promote the growth of (Bipolar Plates) in the region.
Asia
Asia will continue to be the global manufacturing hub for (Bipolar Plates Market) over the forecast period with China dominating the manufacturing. However, there will be a shift in manufacturing towards other Asian countries such as India and Vietnam. The technological developments will come from China, Japan, South Korea, and India for the region. There is a trend to improve the efficiency as well as the quality of goods and services to keep up with the standards that are present internationally as well as win the fight in terms of pricing in this region. The demand in this region will also be driven by infrastructural developments that will take place over the forecast period to improve the output for various industries in different countries.
There will be higher growth in the Middle East as investments fall into place to improve their standing in various industries away from petroleum. Plans such as Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, Qatar Vision 2030, and Abu Dhabi 2030 will cause developments across multiple industries in the region. There is a focus on improving the manufacturing sector as well as the knowledge-based services to cater to the needs of the region and the rest of the world. Due to the shifting nature of fossil fuels, the region will be ready with multiple other revenue sources by the time comes, though fossil fuels are not going away any time soon.
Africa
Africa is expected to see the largest growth in (Bipolar Plates Market) over the forecast period, as the region prepares to advance across multiple fronts. This growth aligns with the surge of investments targeting key sectors such as agriculture, mining, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, automotive, and healthcare. These investments are poised to stimulate overall regional growth, creating ripple effects across other industries as consumer spending increases, access to products improves, and product offerings expand. This development is supported by both established companies and startups in the region, with assistance from various charitable organizations. Additionally, the presence of a young workforce will address various existing regional challenges. There has been an improvement in political stability, which has attracted and will continue to attract more foreign investments. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are set to facilitate the easier movement of goods and services within the region, further enhancing the economic landscape.
RoW
Latin America and the Oceania region will showcase growth over the forecast period in (Bipolar Plates Market). In Latin America, the focus in the forecast period will be to improve their manufacturing capabilities which is supported by foreign investments in the region. This will be across industries mainly automotive and medical devices. There will also be an increase in mining activities over the forecast period in this region. The area is ripe for industrial automation to enable improvements in manufacturing across different industries and efficiency improvements. This will lead to growth of other industries in the region.
USA – $210 billion is allocated to federal R&D with main focus on health research, clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing, sustainable textiles, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Investments by private players are mainly focused on technological development including 5G infrastructure and AI in the region.
Europe – EIC is investing €1 billion to innovative companies in sectors like AI, biotechnology, and semiconductors. There is also a focus on developing the ecosystem in the continent as well as improving the infrastructure for developing industries such as electric vehicles and sustainable materials. Private players are targeting data centers, AI, battery plants, and high end technological R&D investments.
Asia – There are investments to tackle a range of scientific and technological advancements in this region mainly coming in from China, India, South Korea, and Japan. This will include artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud computing, pharmaceutical, local manufacturing, and financial technologies. Many countries are aiming to be digital hubs including Saudi Arabia.
Africa – Investments in the region are focused on improving the technological capabilities in the region along with socio-economic development and growth. Private participants of investments in this region is venture capital dominated who are targeting the various growth elements of the region as social stability improves. The major industries are fintech, easier lending, and manufacturing.
Latin America – The focus in the region is for fintech, e-commerce, and mobility sectors. There are also investments in improving manufacturing in the region. Local investments is focused on improving the healthcare, and transportation infrastructure in the region. The region is attracting foreign investments to improve their ability to utilize the natural resources present in the region.
Rest of the World – The investments in this region are focused on clean energy, green metals, and sustainable materials. Funds in Australia are focused on solar energy and battery technologies, along with high end futuristic areas such as quantum computing. The main countries of private investment in ROW will be Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
