Market Trends of Intelligent Power Module (IPM) Industry
Growing Investments in Renewable Energy to Drive the Market's Growth
- The intelligent power modules combine cutting-edge IGBTs, MOSFETs, next-generation Gate Driver ICs, and cutting-edge thermomechanical technology to give increased power density, improved system ruggedness, and system reliability boost system performance and energy efficiency. These benefits make IPMs widely used in the renewable energy sector.
- Globally, the number of renewable energy projects is increasing, which also adds to market growth. Demand for intelligent power modules is driven by government programs designed to encourage the use of renewable energy. By 2040, solar and wind energy are estimated to meet one-third of worldwide power needs.
- The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that by 2023, global investments in clean energy will reach USD 1.7 trillion, with solar energy production expected to surpass that of oil for the first time. Additionally, it is anticipated that annual investments in clean energy will increase by 24 percent between 2021 and 2023, led by renewables and electric cars, as opposed to a 15 percent increase in investments in fossil fuels during the same time frame. Such expenditures will propel the renewable energy industry, creating several opportunities for IPM manufacturers to improve their products and meet demand.
- In the upcoming years, the market for intelligent power modules is anticipated to expand due to the rising number of renewable energy projects taking place around the world. As an illustration, Apple Inc. declared in February 2023 that it would increase its investments in solar and wind projects in Europe and urged its suppliers to decarbonize processes related to the production of iPhones and other products.
- Furthermore, renewable energy is anticipated to grow significantly as more than 100 nations generate electricity from wind, and wind energy production is expected to increase tenfold globally. The market under study is being driven by the expanding use of off-shore wind networks that include direct high-voltage current (HVDC) power transmission systems, a component of which is IPM. According to Ember, in 2023, Latin America and the Caribbean led the charge in renewable electricity generation, with renewables making up over 60% of their energy. Oceania followed with 43%.
- Furthermore, the increasing government initiatives and investment in the renewable energy segment are also creating a favorable market scenario for the growth of the studied market. For instance, in December 2022, the Government of India and the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) signed an agreement with the World Bank for a USD 150 million IBRD loan, including a USD 28 million Clean Technology Fund (CTF) loan, and a USD 22 million CTF grant to help increase its power generation capacity through renewable and cleaner energy sources. This agreement aligns with India's ambitious plans to achieve 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generation capability by 2030.
North America is Expected to Contribute Significantly to the Market's Growth
- The North American region is expected to remain among the most critical regions in the global intelligent power module market owing to the high usage of renewable energy in end-user industries, higher penetration of advanced consumer electronic products, and rising E.V. usage. Higher consumer awareness about using energy-efficient products is also among the key driving factors for the studied market's growth in the North American region.
- In the North American region, especially in the United States, there are numerous international automotive and automotive part manufacturers such as Ford, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Tesla, putting the country among the world's largest automotive marketplaces. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2022, about 13.84 million units of light-duty vehicles (including autos, light trucks, etc.) were sold in the United States. As IPMs are widely used in the automotive industry in applications such as powertrains, oil pumps, A.C. compressors, etc., such trends are supporting the studied market's growth.
- The demand for intelligent power modules is also significantly expanding as electric and hybrid car adoption rates rise in the North American region. According to the Argonne National Laboratory, in July 2023, about 103,623 HEVs and 119,853 plug-in vehicles (PHEVs) were sold in the United States. Cumulatively, a total of 780,294 BEVs and PHEVs were sold in 2023 till July.
- Consumer electronics is another significant segment wherein the demand for IPM is expected to grow as the demand for smart consumer devices continues to remain high in the North American region. For instance, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the U.S. consumer technology industry is projected to generate over USD 485 billion in retail sales revenue in 2023.
- In addition, more industrial activity has been seen as a result of governments putting more emphasis on producing power from renewable sources. This is also anticipated to open up market opportunities. For instance, the 2022 Federal Budget of Canada committed investment worth USD 250 million that would be spent over four years to support pre-development activities of clean electricity projects of national significance.