Abstract
US demand to grow 3.9% annually through 2011
US demand for materials used in the production of batteries and fuel cells
will rise 3.9 percent per year to $3.7 billion in 2011. Gains will be driven
by increasing production of high-performance battery products, especially
lithium and nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) types, due to the enormous popularity
of high-drain portable electronic devices. Additionally, demand for fuel cell
materials will rise nearly fivefold from a small base, as fuel cell products
begin to enjoy commercial success. However, gains will be limited by a less
favorable outlook for more mature and outdated battery types, such as
lead-acid, zinc-carbon and nickelcadmium chemistries.
Metals to stay leading material in batteries, fuel cells
Metals will continue to be the leading material type in batteries and fuel
cells through 2011, accounting for about twothirds of demand. Metal prices
spiked during the 2001-2006 period, spurring strong value gains for metals in
batteries and fuel cells. However, advances through 2011 will be restrained by
an expected moderation in metal prices and sluggish demand in the sizeable
lead metal market. More rapid growth will be seen for polymers and
carbon/graphite materials, which are used in fast-growing lithium and Ni-MH
battery chemistries as well as fuel cells. Gains in demand for other materials
will also be strong, especially fumed silica and glass fibers used in
valve-regulated lead-acid batteries, as well as ceramics in solid oxide fuel
cells.
Study coverage
It presents historical demand data for 1996, 2001 and 2006, as well as
forecasts for 2011 and 2016 by material type (e.g., chemicals, polymers,
metals, carbon/graphite), function (e.g., active materials, current
collectors, containers, performance additives, catalysts, separators) and
application (primary batteries, secondary batteries, fuel cells).
The study also considers market environment factors, assesses industry
structure, evaluates market share data and profiles 37 leading industry
competitors including Doe Run Resources, DuPont, East Penn Manufacturing,
Exide Technologies, Falconbridge, Johnson-Matthey, RSR, Sanders Lead and
Thomas Steel Strip.
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