AnnieO, I took the $35 worth of platinum that PLUG cites to be about 1/8 of an ounce @ $440 an ounce.
According to a search on platinum, the are about 133 tons mined every year X 2,000 lbs. = 266,000 lbs X 12 troy oz.= 3,192,000 troy oz. per year. penoir.com
Keep in mind that we already use platinum in the catalytic converters used in ICE (internal combustion engine) cars, so if we switch to FC cars, we could be using the platinum that was earmarked for those cars. I'm trying to find out how much platinum is used in the catalytic converters.
I don't think that any breakthroughs are needed in the membranes. In fact I read somewhere that the cost is about 1/10th what it was a year ago, for a better membrane. I expect that there will be further improvements, but they are good enough now.
Yikes, I don't think that NREL report is right up to date. It's a government job. They probably spent 3 years editing and printing it. This technology is moving too fast for them.
I still haven't heard a firm price on the PLUG unit.
BTW, if you want to look into a less expensive FC play, check out Manhattan Scientifics (MHTX). They are about 5 bucks yet, and are working on the mini fuel cell for laptops, etc. There is a much better thread for them on Raging Bull. I own them too.
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