5G Fuel Cell Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell), By Application (Base Station, High Altitude Platform (HAPS)), By Solution (Off-Grid Power, Backup Power), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The 5G cell tower market is projected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period.

GROWTH DRIVERS

• Shift towards ‘Green’ & Sustainable Energy

Globally, the availability of clean energy is in short supply. The escalating climate crisis, coupled with more frequent and severe storms, is straining our existing energy infrastructure, exacerbated by the continued reliance on fossil fuels. Beyond addressing primary and backup power needs, there is a growing necessity to hybridize energy systems, enhance accessibility to electric vehicle charging, and establish sustainable methods for fueling, storing, and generating electricity on-site.

Given the substantial increase in the number of base stations required for the functionality of the 5G network, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are actively exploring the integration of low-cost renewable energy sources such as wind and solar to alleviate their energy costs. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, specific onshore wind and solar resources are projected to deliver electricity at $0.03 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2021. This cost is significantly lower compared to the range of $0.05 to $0.17 per kWh for power derived from fossil fuels. The notable cost advantage has been instrumental in driving operators' widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions.

A traditional combustion-based power plant typically generates electricity with efficiencies ranging from 33 to 35%. In contrast, fuel cell systems can generate electricity with efficiencies of up to 60% and even higher when implemented with cogeneration. Within a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, recognized as highly promising for light-duty transportation, hydrogen gas traverses channels to the anode. Here, a catalyst induces the separation of hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The membrane selectively allows only protons to pass through it. While these protons travel through the membrane to the opposite side of the cell, the flow of negatively-charged electrons follows an external circuit to the cathode. This electron flow constitutes electricity that can be utilized for various purposes, such as powering an electric motor. A single fuel cell typically generates approximately 0.5 to 1.0 volts, which is just sufficient voltage for even the smallest applications.

For instance:

• In July 2023, Ericsson introduced a novel 5G site in Plano, Texas, designed to exemplify its comprehensive energy-efficient network solution. This site serves as a testament to Ericsson's leadership in sustainable mobile networks, highlighting the incorporation of eco-friendly solutions and the utilization of renewable energy sources. The infrastructure of this site features the ultra-lightweight mid-band Massive MIMO AIR 6419, RAN Processor 6651, and Enclosure 6160. The latter includes components like the Solar Shelf 6670, lithium-ion Batteries 6612, and Controller 6610, facilitating hybrid energy operation and control.
• On September 12, 2022, Bharti Airtel announced that its subsidiary, Nxtra Data Limited, has entered into a partnership with Bloom Energy to implement a low-impact fuel cell installation at its data center in Karnataka. This initiative aims to diminish carbon emissions by utilizing a cleaner, hydrogen-ready fuel supply. Nxtra became the first data center company in India to adopt fuel cell technology, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions at its data centers while also gaining cost and sustainability advantages. Initially powered by non-combusted natural gas, Nxtra plans to transition to 50% hydrogen in the future without significant additional investment. The natural gas-powered cells will serve as the primary generation source, with the utility electrical grid and generators as backup sources.

Increasing number of base stations

The expansion of cellular networks has gained momentum in recent years and is anticipated to persist. Predictions indicate a surge in global mobile data consumption from 65EB per month in 2021 to 288EB per month by 2027, with 5G networks accounting for 62% of the traffic in 2027. A significant portion of the electric power required to operate cellular base stations is currently derived from burning diesel. To ensure sustainability, the availability and potential integration of renewable energy resources at cellular base station sites are imperative for the deployment of hybrid systems in the future. Hybrid energy system models emerge as the most practical power solutions for 5G mobile base stations, offering a viable alternative to conventional diesel generators. Moreover, these models prove to be environmentally friendly and cost-effective, presenting optimal solutions for various challenging scenarios.

For instance:

• As per recent information released by India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the total number of 5G base stations in the country has surged to 308,466. This marks a substantial increase from the figures recorded in early 2023, where the government documented 53,590 5G base stations. This noteworthy escalation in the deployment of 5G infrastructure signifies a rapid expansion of telecommunications capabilities in India. The substantial growth in the number of 5G base stations highlights the ongoing efforts and investments made by both the government and private entities to enhance connectivity and bring advanced telecommunications services to a broader population. The increased deployment of 5G infrastructure is expected to contribute significantly to the technological advancement and digital transformation of India's telecommunications landscape.

INNOVATIONS AND RESEARCH

In January 2021, NASA released a paper detailing the development of a Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system model and software. This system is specifically designed for the analysis and design of hydrogen-powered Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The paper includes instances of stacks tailored for net electrical power outputs of 80 kWe and 500 kWe. Additionally, it presents examples of eVTOL aircraft designed for carrying payloads of 250 and 400 lbs. The analysis involved assessing various factors such as stack characteristics, hydrogen storage attributes, and aircraft payload and range, emphasizing trade-offs in the design process. The primary objectives of the study were to pinpoint the crucial technology factors for a hydrogen rotorcraft, establish technological benchmarks for a feasible aircraft, and recommend research initiatives to address fundamental pre-competitive obstacles in the field.

MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE MARKET

5G Fuel Cell Market Scope:

SEGMENTATION

The 5G fuel cell market has been analyzed through the following segments:

• By Type
  • Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)
  • Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC)
  • Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell
• By Application
  • Base Station
  • High Altitude Platform (HAPS)
• By Solution
  • Off-Grid Power
  • Backup Power
• By Geography
  • Americas
    • USA
    • Others
  • Europe, Middle East and Africa
    • Germany
    • UK
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Others