Revenues for all companies in the fuel-cell sector increased by 20 per cent during 2006, to $266 million, according to the PricewaterhouseCoopers 2006 Fuel Cell Industry Survey.

There were four new companies included in this year's survey: Acta SpA (Italy); CMR Fuel Cells (UK); PolyFuel (US); and Voller Energy (UK).

John Webster, leader of fuel cell practice in Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: "The findings of this latest survey point to a continued evolution of the sector with a lot more activity in the portable fuel cell market.

"There is a keen sense of purpose focused directly on products that can be used by consumers at a competitive price and those that will produce returns for investors."

The US-based Quantum Fuel Systems was the top revenue earner in the survey, clocking $54.3 million (£27 million).

Meanwhile, India has announced that it is to start the operation of its first hydrogen filling station in the first part of 2007.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd