March 1, 2010

Energy Management Systems (EMS) are being increasingly utilized by commercial building property managers to help optimize energy consumption.  Automation and control capabilities enabled by EMS are most frequently focused on heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting, which together account for approximately 57% of energy consumed in commercial buildings, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  However, a recent Pike Research report finds that despite the strong return on investment for EMS deployments, just 14% of the market potential is being realized, providing a significant opportunity for new industry players.

“With an increasing number of buildings 20 years and older that need to become more energy efficient, the addressable market for EMS will continue to grow,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “The EMS penetration gap is largely driven by the fact that vendors are just now beginning to fully apply information technology to the energy management challenge.” 

Wheelock adds that two other adoption barriers have traditionally included the lack of energy efficiency information available to commercial building tenants, along with a system of split incentives wherein tenants bear the burden of energy bills, therefore building owners have little motivation to invest in efficiency.   “However, these barriers are beginning to fall as businesses increasingly view energy as an asset to be managed, rather than simply a cost of doing business.”

Pike Research forecasts that annual EMS revenues in the U.S. will reach $6.8 billion by 2020.  During that period, EMS will become more tightly integrated with legacy building management systems (BMS) as well as enterprise IT and networking infrastructure.

Pike Research’s study, “Energy Management Systems for Commercial Buildings”, analyzes the emerging market for commercial building EMS in depth.  Based on extensive supply-side and demand-side analysis, the report provides a comprehensive examination of business models, market drivers, technology issues, and the competitive landscape.  It also includes detailed market forecasts through 2020 along with profiles of key industry players.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.  

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.953.9765.

February 24, 2010

Today Pike Research announced the introduction of its new Renewable Energy Advisory Service, a subscription-based business information suite that provides insights and market intelligence for companies in the fast-moving energy technology sector.  The service covers energy sources including solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and hydrokinetic and ocean energy, both at the utility scale and on a distributed generation level.

“Renewable energy is at a critical point in its evolution,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “New technologies and business models being created today have the potential to transform entire industries, as well as the ways in which people around the world live and work.  We are at the beginning of a new energy age that offers dramatic opportunities for economic development, yet is filled with significant uncertainty and risk.”

As part of its Renewable Energy service, Pike Research’s industry analysts offer timely and actionable market insights, covering specific technology and business sectors as well as overall market conditions and trends.  Research reports include an in-depth examination of business models, technology issues, policy and regulatory factors, the competitive landscape, and market sizing, segmentation and forecasting.

A few of Pike Research’s key forecasts and observations about the emerging renewable energy market include the following:

• More than 150,000 new and replacement wind turbines will be installed worldwide during the period from 2010 to 2020, including more than 40,000 turbines in North America alone.
• Solar photovoltaics (PV) global installed capacity will increase to 86.7 gigawatts (GW) by 2015, a nearly fivefold increase over 2009 levels.
• Ocean energy will face a “make or break” period over the next five years.  More than 300 pilot projects of ocean wave, tidal stream, and other hydrokinetic technologies are currently in the pipeline around the world.
• Renewable Distributed Energy Generation is an important emerging segment of the market, and Pike Research forecasts that global revenues for sub-utility scale solar PV, small wind turbines, and stationary fuel cells will reach $60.6 billion by 2013.

Pike Research’s Renewable Energy Advisory Service focuses on the clean generation and transmission of electrical power using renewable means such as solar, wind, geothermal, and ocean and hydrokinetic technologies.  The service includes access to more than 20 of the firm’s in-depth Research Reports per year, in addition to unlimited Analyst Inquiry access.  Executive Summaries and further information about the Advisory Service are available for free download on Pike Research’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.953.9765. 

February 23, 2010

For a decade or more, Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) have been touted as the “next big thing” in automobiles, featuring the promise of zero emissions, other than water and heat.  Now, with fleets of FCVs in the hundreds and the increasing utilization of fuel cells in commercial vehicles, it appears that light duty FCVs will be commercialized by mid-decade.  According to a new report from Pike Research, fuel cell vehicles will be commercially launched in most regions of the world by 2014, and cumulative sales of fuel cell cars and trucks will surpass 2.8 million vehicles globally by 2020.

“Fuel cell vehicles have been an elusive goal for the automotive industry,” says industry analyst Dave Hurst, “but they are on the verge of commercial reality.  With substantial support from the largest automakers, the pressure is on gas companies and governments to make sure that hydrogen fueling stations are available to support this emerging market.”  Hurst adds that five key automakers are early leaders in FCV programs:  Daimler AG, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota.

Pike Research forecasts that Western Europe will be the leading region for FCV sales with a 37% share of the world market, followed closely by Asia Pacific with 36%.  FCV sales in North America will represent approximately 25% of global sales during the period from 2014 to 2020.  The cleantech market intelligence firm anticipates that FCV revenues will reach $23.9 billion annually by 2020.

Pike Research‘s study, “Fuel Cell Vehicles”, analyzes the current state of fuel cell technology as it moves toward commercialization in light vehicles, medium/heavy duty trucks, and buses.  The report examines fuel cell technologies, hydrogen as a fuel, and key drivers of market development for FCVs.  Detailed forecasts are provided for global research and development spending, fuel cell transit buses, fuel cell light vehicle production and sales, and revenue from FCV sales.  Key market players are also profiled.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.953.9765.

February 22, 2010

A new wave of biodiesel will begin having a meaningful impact on world energy markets over the next several years, according to a recent report from Pike Research.  The cleantech market intelligence firm anticipates that, spurred by innovations in feedstocks such as waste grease, algae, and jatropha,  biodiesel revenues will increase to $71.0 billion worldwide by 2020, up from $18.4 billion in 2010.

“The biofuels market is currently at a point of discontinuity,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “The ethanol business has suffered a significant blow over the past few years, yet the prospects remain very bright for renewed growth in ethanol as well as next generation biodiesel technologies.”  Wheelock adds that new technology advances and economies of scale will be a significant boon to the further growth of biofuels markets.

In addition, Pike Research’s analysis finds that biodiesel has some powerful backers.  “Biogenetics is becoming a huge factor in the evolution of the market,” says Wheelock, “and biofuels companies are really leveraging the scientific knowledge base of genetic engineering.  Biotech companies will be some of the big beneficiaries as the new breed of biofuels matures.”  Other key players, according to the report, include the big oil companies, who have transitioned from foe to friend over the past several years and are now some of the leading bankrollers of biodiesel R&D and commercialization.

Pike Research’s report, “Biofuels Markets and Technologies”, analyzes the complexities and paradoxes of biofuels markets.  It examines key technologies that will drive the future of the industry to include second and third generation feedstocks and advanced biorefining techniques.  The report also includes profiles of key players and comprehensive forecasts that quantify the potential for biodiesel and ethanol by country and region.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.953.9765. 

February 17, 2010

Today Pike Research announced the launch of its new Building Efficiency Advisory Service.  This subscription-based service is an independent and objective business information tool that provides clients with in-depth market analysis focused on the burgeoning green building and energy efficiency sectors.  The service covers green building techniques and certification programs, efficiency retrofits, energy management systems, and advanced building automation and control technologies.

“Buildings consume more than 70% of all electricity produced, and as such they are a prime candidate for energy efficiency improvements,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “These initiatives take many forms, from greener design and construction techniques to cutting-edge energy management systems that incorporate the latest information and communication technologies.”

As part of its Building Efficiency service, Pike Research’s industry analysts offer timely and actionable market insights, covering specific technology and business sectors as well as overall market conditions and trends.  Research reports include an in-depth examination of business models, technology issues, policy and regulatory factors, the competitive landscape, and market sizing, segmentation and forecasting.

A few of Pike Research’s key findings and forecasts about the rapidly-evolving Building Efficiency market include the following:

• The total market opportunity for major energy efficiency retrofits in commercial buildings is approximately $400 billion over the coming years.  This addressable market represents 20 billion square feet of building space, out of the United States’ total building stock of more than 70 billion square feet.  Much of the motivation for property owners to undertake retrofits lies in the increased property values enjoyed by green buildings.
• The Energy Service Company (ESCO) market is poised for strong growth in the coming years, and Pike Research analysts forecast that ESCO revenues will increase from $5.6 billion in 2009 to nearly $19.9 billion by 2020 under a base case scenario.  In a more aggressive growth scenario that includes Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing and robust carbon legislation, the firm expects that the ESCO market could grow as large as $37.6 billion by 2020.
• Investment in Energy Management Systems (EMS) for commercial buildings will total $67.6 billion during the period from 2010 to 2020.  By 2020, Pike Research forecasts that annual EMS revenues will reach $6.8 billion.
• The residential energy efficiency market will grow from $49.9 billion in 2009 to $77.4 billion in 2014, a 55% increase.  This sector includes home energy auditing, energy efficient home improvements, and Energy Star certified appliances.

Pike Research’s Building Efficiency Advisory Service focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of highly efficient commercial and residential buildings.  Research areas include green building materials and construction technologies, certification programs, energy management systems, and automation and control technologies.  The service includes access to more than 15 of the firm’s in-depth Research Reports per year, in addition to unlimited Analyst Inquiry access.  Executive Summaries and further information about the Advisory Service are available for free download on Pike Research’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.9691. 

February 16, 2010

While the electrification of the automobile has captured strong attention over the past few years, a significantly higher volume market opportunity lies with a different kind of EV – the electric two-wheel vehicle.  According to a new report from Pike Research, unit sales in this category, which includes electric bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters, will grow at a rapid pace over the next several years.  The cleantech market intelligence firm forecasts that more than 466 million e-bikes, e-motorcycles, and e-scooters will be sold worldwide during the period from 2010 to 2016.

“Demographics and economics are aligning to create a strong market opportunity for two-wheel electric vehicles,” says industry analyst Dave Hurst.  “In some countries, these vehicles will be engines of economic growth, while in others they will be signals of broader consumer behavioral shifts.” 

Hurst adds that Asia Pacific in general, and China in particular, will dominate the global electric two-wheel vehicle market, representing more than 95% of sales during the next six years.  He expects that e-bikes will the largest category with 56% of the market, followed by e-motorcycles at 43% and e-scooters in a distant third place with less than 1%.

According to Pike Research’s analysis, one of the most important market barriers is the lack of established distribution channels for the vehicles.  Many manufacturers are working diligently to find a combination of independent dealers, mass retailers, and online sales that will effectively deliver the vehicles and after-sales service to customers.

Pike Research‘s study, “Electric Two-Wheel Vehicles”, analyzes the global market for electric bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters.  The report examines battery technologies, key opportunities and barriers, and drivers of market development.  Detailed forecasts through 2016 are included for each vehicle category, along with profiles of key market players.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.  

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.9691. 

February 4, 2010

As utilities around the world have initiated major smart grid infrastructure upgrades over the past several years, cyber security has become a critical priority.  Security measures are designed to protect the electrical grid from attacks by terrorists and hackers, as well as strengthening its resilience against natural disasters and inadvertent threats such as equipment failures and user errors. 

According to a new report from Pike Research, the intense focus on smart grid cyber security from utilities, infrastructure vendors, standards bodies, and world governments is spurring a surge in revenue growth, and the cleantech market intelligence firm forecasts that the sector will increase from $1.2 billion in 2009 to $3.7 billion by 2015.  During the period from 2010 to 2015, Pike Research anticipates that a total of approximately $21 billion will be invested in global smart grid cyber security deployments.

“No utility wants to be the weak link in the chain,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “The concern over grid vulnerability is driving utility technologists to work closely with systems integrators, infrastructure suppliers, and standards bodies to develop a robust framework for smart grid cyber security across multiple domains.”  Wheelock adds that this process has accelerated over the past year, spurred in large part by the U.S. Department of Energy’s smart grid stimulus programs, the standards initiatives of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and key priorities promoted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Pike Research forecasts that equipment protection and configuration management will be the largest security category over the next several years.  Among smart grid applications, the firm expects that the greatest investments will go into cyber security for distribution automation (DA) and transmission upgrades, followed by security measures for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) smart meters.

Pike Research’s report, “Smart Grid Cyber Security”, analyzes global market trends in terms of business drivers, technologies, standards, objectives, and requirements.    The report examines five key cyber security categories:  policy/planning/awareness, equipment protection and configuration management, monitoring and incidence response, access/audit/integrity, and risk management.  It includes profiles of key industry players and detailed market forecasts for world regions, segmented by application, through 2015.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.953.9765. 

February 2, 2010

As new home sales in the United States declined and the home remodeling market slowed in recent years, many residential product and service categories have experienced a significant drop in business.  However, out of the recession is emerging a positive outlook for growth in energy efficient products and services for homes, according to a new report from Pike Research.  This sector, which comprises energy efficient home improvements, high-efficiency appliances, and home energy auditing services, holds the potential to generate significant new revenue opportunities as well as creating a large number of new green collar jobs.

“Energy efficiency is stepping into the light after a long period of obscurity,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “A number of factors are converging to make energy efficient residential products and services a hot sector over the next several years.  These drivers include increased environmental awareness among consumers, government incentives, utility energy efficiency programs, and new offerings and rebates from product manufacturers.”

Pike Research’s analysis highlights growth potential for several key residential energy efficiency categories in the United States:

• The home energy auditing business is a strong indicator of the coming of age for energy efficient homes.  Pike Research forecasts that this market will nearly triple in size, from $8.1 billion in 2009 to $23.4 billion by 2014.
• The energy efficient home improvement market is forecast to increase from $38.3 billion in 2009 to $50.2 billion by 2014.  This category includes upgraded electrical systems, appliances and major equipment, HVAC systems, roofing replacements, and window/door replacements.
• Energy Star certified refrigerators and clothes washers will generate revenues of $21.9 billion during the period from 2009 to 2014, under a business-as-usual scenario.  In a scenario that includes increased penetration of these high-efficiency appliances, Pike Research estimates that another $11.3 billion could be added to this total.

Pike Research’s study, “Energy Efficient Homes”, examines the U.S. market for energy efficient products and services in the residential sector.  The study analyzes the new home and remodeling industries, home products and appliances, home energy evaluations, and utility services.  The report includes five-year market forecasts as well as profiles of key industry players.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.  

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.284.9609. 

February 1, 2010

Companies of all sizes are feeling increased pressure from employees, customers, and the market to develop an effective corporate sustainability strategy and act in an environmentally responsible manner.  However, a company looking to implement a sustainability program for the first time faces a number of challenges:  determining priorities, setting goals, and measuring results, just to name a few. 

According to a new white paper from Pike Research, successful sustainability initiatives are supported by three key pillars:  executive buy-in from the start, creation of an effective sustainability committee, and the establishment of clear and measurable sustainability goals.  The paper, which includes an analysis of best practices for launching a corporate sustainability program, is available for free download on Pike Research’s website.

“The simple truth is that very few companies have truly effective sustainability programs, even those who have published impressive-looking corporate sustainability reports,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “Our research indicates that the most successful programs are formed from the inside out, encompassing product design and production, company operations, and sales and marketing.”   

Pike Research’s paper, “Developing a Sustainability Strategy”, examines best practices for planning and implementing a corporate sustainability program.  It explores company motivations for establishing sustainability initiative, outlines steps for getting the program off the ground, describes key sustainability areas to consider, and profiles three companies – Research In Motion, Shaw Industries Group, and CA – who have successfully launched corporate sustainability initiatives.  The report forms part of Pike Research’s Corporate Sustainability Advisory Service, and a full copy of the white paper is available for free download on the firm’s website. 

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.284.9609. 

January 26, 2010

Microgrids, which are “islanded” power generation and distribution zones that can operate autonomously from the larger electrical grid, are an increasing area of focus for institutions, governments, corporations, and utilities.  According to a recent report from Pike Research, a variety of trends are converging to create significant growth potential for microgrids, and the cleantech market intelligence firm forecasts that more than 2,000 sites will be operational worldwide by 2015, up from fewer than 100 in 2010.

“The distinguishing feature of a microgrid is the ability to separate and isolate itself from the utility’s distribution system during brownouts and blackouts,” says managing director Clint Wheelock.  “This degree of localized control is compelling for many microgrid proponents during this time of increasing concern over grid reliability.”

Wheelock adds that a variety of Smart Grid technologies, more often employed for utility-scale grid automation projects, will also be used very effectively for microgrids.  Pike Research segments the microgrid market into five major categories:

• Institutional/Campus Microgrids with a single owner, which are forecast to be the largest segment with 53% of deployments by 2015
• Commercial/Industrial Microgrids with multiple owners, which Pike Research expects will be the second largest category with 39% of deployments
• Community/Utility Microgrids, which are tied to the larger utility grid infrastructure
• Remote Off-Grid Systems, which will be increasingly common in developing countries
• Military Microgrids, which can support remote base operations without a fuel supply

Pike Research’s report, “Microgrids”, analyzes and forecasts five major segments of the emerging microgrid market.  It also examines key technologies that are integral to microgrid deployments and assesses key players in the nascent industry ecosystem.  Five-year forecasts provide quantification of the microgrid market opportunity in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Clean Transportation, Clean Industry, Corporate Sustainability, and Building Efficiency sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.7609.