The submarine battery market is experiencing notable growth and evolution, driven by advancements in battery technology, changing submarine propulsion systems, and the increasing demand for stealthy and long-endurance underwater operations. Submarine batteries play a critical role in powering propulsion systems, life support systems, and onboard electronics, enabling submarines to operate submerged for extended periods without the need for surfacing or snorkeling. One prominent trend in this market is the development of advanced battery technologies that offer improved energy density, reliability, and performance to meet the demanding requirements of modern submarines.
One of the key drivers of growth in the submarine battery market is the transition from traditional lead-acid batteries to advanced battery chemistries such as lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and silver-zinc batteries. Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages over lead-acid batteries, including higher energy density, lighter weight, faster charging, and longer cycle life, making them ideal for use in submarines where space and weight constraints are critical factors. Additionally, advancements in Li-ion battery technology, including solid-state electrolytes, thermal management systems, and safety features, enhance the reliability and safety of submarine battery systems.
Moreover, advancements in submarine propulsion systems, including air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems and hybrid propulsion systems, are driving innovation and differentiation in the submarine battery market. AIP systems enable submarines to operate submerged for extended periods without the need for surfacing or snorkeling by using onboard fuel cells, Stirling engines, or other auxiliary power sources to generate electricity for propulsion and life support systems. Additionally, hybrid propulsion systems combine traditional diesel-electric propulsion with AIP technologies or energy storage systems such as batteries to improve submarine performance, stealth, and endurance.
Another significant trend in the submarine battery market is the increasing focus on energy storage systems for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). UUVs and AUVs are used for a wide range of military and commercial applications, including reconnaissance, surveillance, mine countermeasures, and underwater exploration. Submarine batteries provide the primary power source for UUVs and AUVs, enabling them to operate autonomously for extended periods while collecting data, conducting missions, and performing tasks in underwater environments. Additionally, advancements in battery technology, including underwater charging systems and energy harvesting technologies, enable UUVs and AUVs to extend their operational range and mission duration.
Furthermore, the increasing demand for silent and stealthy submarines is driving demand for battery technologies that reduce acoustic signature and electromagnetic emissions. Traditional lead-acid batteries produce noise and electromagnetic interference during charging and discharging cycles, potentially compromising submarine stealth capabilities. Advanced battery technologies such as lithium-ion and silver-zinc batteries offer quieter and cleaner alternatives, reducing acoustic and electromagnetic signatures and enhancing submarine survivability and stealthiness.
Submarine Battery Market size was valued at USD 1.7 Billion in 2022. The Submarine Battery industry is projected to grow USD 2.8 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.90% during the forecast period (2022 - 2032).
Submarine batteries are used to power the equipment and in-house systems in submarines when submerged underwater. The batteries that are installed in a submarine are also deployed for propulsion whenever required. The stringent laws regarding marine emissions have also increased the demand for submarine batteries. The average shelf life of these submarine batteries is approximately 30 to 40 years.
Moreover, there are many major manufacturers that design these batteries with adequate submarine battery capacity. Submarine batteries are used for both human-crewed and uncrewed vehicles. Lithium energy packs have been grown in popularity, especially for human-crewed submarines. The submarine battery market is making some notable technological strides from the relentless efforts of some batter manufacturers to meet the most stringent conditions under which submarines work. Several lead-acid solutions have emerged, and new chemistries of batteries are likely to pave the way to further innovations. The submarine battery market has thus evolved on the evolving demand for battery management systems for these vehicles. Electronics companies have teamed up with battery manufacturers to dole out new products with higher shelf-life and performance guarantees supported by technical documentation.
With the COVID outbreak, there has been a sharp pullback in economic activities due to mandatory lockdowns and other containment measures. The demand for submarine batteries across different applications is likely to fall as the outbreak is likely to restrict the supply chain and the adoption of such batteries due to severe disruptions in businesses and the global economy. The outbreak of the pandemic has slowed battery supply chains as the maximum battery cells are made in China, thus throwing light on the overwhelming dependence on China and the related supply chain risks.
The major factors driving the growth of the global submarine battery industry include increased spending by the government in the defense sector. Moreover, the investment by key players in developing advanced submarines is also expected to drive the use of submarine batteries. For instance, in September and May 2019, the US Navy had planned to invest USD 2 billion for its next-generation nuclear submarine program. It is expected to increase the demand for submarine navy batteries that are an integral component of submarines. Moreover, increasing investments in the Navy in developing countries are likely to be an opportunity for the submarine battery market players.
However, high maintenance cost is expected to hinder the global market. The biggest threat to submarine batteries is nuclear power, as nuclear-powered submarines can stay underwater for a long time, i.e., weeks/months. Furthermore, nuclear fuel lasts much longer than diesel fuel. A nuclear submarine does not have to come to a port to refuel.
Hanwha Defense will use submarine batteries' know-how to develop ESS technology for civilian ships. ESS is a power storage system that comprises batteries or even specially designed battery packs. The global submarine battery market company will develop technologies like safety control, lightweight and miniaturization, optimal design for a marine environment, firefighting in module units, and preventing heat transfer. Electric power is required to operate equipment and other in-house systems in submarines. For underwater and surface propulsion, submarines are equipped either with diesel engines, which run on fuel (diesel) or utilize nuclear reactors that use nuclear fission for propulsion. Several submarines are also equipped with battery banks to supply electrical power. A fully charged battery is the only source of submarine propulsion during emergencies. On the surface, these submarines utilize diesel engines for propulsion and thus charge the main storage battery. Once the batteries are ultimately charged, the submarine can head underwater and perform underwater operations. Thus, a submarine equipped with a charged battery is the only way a diesel submarine can submerge underwater.
The submarine battery market has been divided all across the globe based on type, application, and region. The lead-acid battery segment held the dominant position in the market in 2017 and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is due to various advantages of lead batteries, such as being reliable, robust, and capable of delivering high current. Lead-acid battery helps to provide standby and propulsion power in various submarines. Continued technical improvement in lead-acid battery technology has accelerated the segment's growth in the market.
The market has been divided all across the globe based on the type into flooded lead-acid batteries, valve-regulated lead-acid batteries, and many others. The valve-regulated lead-acid batteries segment holds the largest market share.
The market has been divided all across the globe based on the application into the military segment and civil segment. The military line segment holds the largest market share in the global market.
The market has been segmented all across the globe based on region into the North American region, European region, Asia-Pacific region, Latin American region, and the Middle East and African region.
The submarine battery market has been divided all across the globe based in the region into North American region, European region, Asia-Pacific region, Latin American region, and the Middle East and African region. Being the globally emerging market, the largest market share in the global market is held by the Asia-Pacific region due to various major key players in this region. Moreover, highly populated countries like China, India, and Japan generate more demand in this region.
The North American region holds the second-largest market share in the global market due to countries like Canada, the US, and Mexico, which generate market demand in this region.
The European region holds the third-largest market share worldwide due to the presence of a well-established technologically driven infrastructure that generates more market demand in this region. Moreover, countries like France, Germany, and the UK are other factors that give rise to market demand.
The Middle East and African region, along with the Latin American region, show the rock bottom market share due to low infrastructure development in both these regions. Adding to the line, the other factor that restrains the market growth in these regions is low per capita income.
The most prominent major key players in the submarine battery market all across the globe are mentioned below:
These major key players adopt various strategies to endure their market position in the submarine battery market in the global market by going for mergers, and acquisitions, collaborating, developing a new product line, developing a unique production process, setting up a new joint venture, innovation in the existing product, establishing a partnership, and many others to expand their customer base in the untapped market of the submarine battery market all across the globe.
In May 2019
An investment of USD 2 billion was planned for the next-generation nuclear submarine program by the US navy. This will drive the sales of submarine batteries manifolds.
In June 2018
A contract was signed between the US Navy and Exide Technologies to supply the lead battery systems for the fleet submarines.
Korea Special Battery Co. Ltd. (South Korea) spends a sizeable sum of money on research and development to get an upper edge over its competitors.
This global submarine battery market research report includes the following components mentioned below:
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