Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) Market to Index 9.8% Growth in Revenue During 2021 - 2025

September 2021

As a growing number of individuals and nations aim to make the transition toward the use of renewable energy sources, the demand for microbial fuel cells has subsequently increased. MFCs are a promising technology to generate clean, sustainable energy, and have the potential to replace the reliance on conventional energy sources for certain applications. Moreover, MFCs are used to treat wastewater while simultaneously producing electricity. The dual-purpose nature of this technology has garnered interest by both policymakers and environmentalists alike, who are seeking sustainable solutions to effectively manage wastewater and lower greenhouse gas emissions as well.

A study by Fairfield Market Research indicates that the global MFC market is expected to index a CAGR of 9.8% over the forecast period. Moreover, increasing investments toward R&D initiatives have led to the development of more efficient and cost-effective microbial fuel cells, in turn boosting their commercial viability. Additionally, several governments now offer various incentives and subsidies to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources, thus promoting a higher level of investment in the process. There has also been a steady increase in the demand for decentralized power generation, which is becoming an increasingly popular choice in remote or off-grid areas.

Key Research Insights

  • The global microbial fuel cell market is expected to be valued at US$15 Mn by 2025

  • The transition to renewable energy sources to play a pivotal role in market growth

  • The global cost of wastewater treatment amounts to approximately US$30 Bn each year and rising

  • Asia Pacific to remain a key revenue contributor in the global MFC market

  • Cambrian Innovation Inc., MICROrganic Technologies, Prongineer, and Voltree Power are some of the biggest players in this market

Extensive Research Initiatives, and Growing Demand for Mediator-free MFCs to Foster Market Expansion

As the use of MFCs gradually gains traction, there is expected to be a higher level of research initiatives carried out to develop a more efficient and environmentally benign approach to generating bioelectricity while effectively managing wastewater treatment solutions. Additionally, mediator-free MFCs do not need mediators owing to the presence of bacteria in wastewater which has the tendency to transport electrons to the electrodes and produce electricity using long nanowires. This makes mediator-free microbial fuel cells less costly when compared to mediator-based MFCs. As they are less toxic and have lower production costs the demand for these cells is expected to increase over the forecast period, boosting market growth opportunities in the process.

Asia Pacific to Account for a Major Revenue Share in Global MFC Market

Owing to the growing demand for green fuel, favourable governmental support, and higher investments towards R&D initiatives, have all contributed to the Asia Pacific accounting for the majority share of the global MFC market over the forecast period. Additionally, there has been a steady increase in the adoption and use of MFCs in various application areas such as wastewater treatment, and biosensors. Over 90% of generated hydrogen is used in refineries and the industrial sector in North America. While the market for MFCs in Europe is expected to index significant growth, the microbial fuel cell market in Latin America, and Africa is still in its infancy stages and is expected to grow significantly in the years to come.

Global Microbial Fuel Cell Market – Key Competitors

Cambrian Innovation Inc., Vinpro Technologies, Open Therapeutics LLC, Triqua International BV, Sainergy Tech Inc., MICROrganic Technologies, Prongineer, Fluence Corporation, Microbial Robotics, Emefcy, Protonex, and ElectroChem Inc., all collectively account for the majority revenue share of the global MFC market and are extensively detailed under our comprehensive competitive profiling and strategic analysis.