• The global market for premium portable power will rise at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 7.2%, from $4.4 billion in 2004 to $6.3 billion in 2009.

• Lithium-ion/polymer dominates this market with a 98% share.

• This will slip somewhat to 94% in 2009.

• Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to feature very strong growth, rising at an AAGR of 25.4% to $385 million in 2009.

• Zinc-air cells are a small $12 million market that is expected to reach $26 million in 2009.

INTRODUCTION

The once dominant position of alkaline batteries and nickelcadmium (NiCad) batteries and some tentative uses of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries has given way to lithiumion battery technology. The inherent higher energy density of small fuel cells in comparison to batteries, however, could lead to longer operational time and serve the power demands of next-generation portable electronics. Unsurprisingly, this has led many device manufacturers to examine the technology potential of fuel cells.

For small portable fuel cells to succeed in the market place, the technology must, in most cases, displace batteries or solar panels or succeed in niches that these power sources presently do not fill on a performance basis. Nevertheless, not all the needs for satisfactory portable power have been met. Applications for ever increasing sophisticated portable devices grow yearly.

This business review focuses on evolving battery and fuel cell power sources for supplying premium power for portable devices. It identifies both the opportunities and the deficiencies of premium power sources and further identifies the most likely, and concurrently the most appropriate, technologies for advanced portable devices. The total increase in the number of companies showing an involvement in this market sector is an indicator of the intense global interest and activity in the premium power source arena.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The document contains:

• An overview of premium power sources defined as fuel cells, rechargeable lithium batteries and metalair fuel cells
• An examination of these three premium power sources and the one-watt to 150-watt market they compete for
• An overview of the manufacturers of portable fuel cells and secondary lithium batteries
• Discussion of current technology and technology trends
• Profiles of market leaders in these areas.