Hi Jill: Yep, it'll take some time to get a "critical mass" going and so, the developing alternative power industries will be somewhat dependent, in the early years, on some sort of subsidy /protection/ legislation/ tax incentives etc, to get the ball rolling. As far as "mobile" fuel cells, (eg,BLDP) are concerned, clearly it will take some time for the hydrogen source/refuling infrastructure to become widely available that's for sure... (unless auto manufacturers choose the gasoline reforming route).
One of the reasons I like FCEL is that it is in the "distributed" power niche of alternative power... I think that once production economies of scale are achieved and costs come down, FCEL will be a powerful competitor wherever back up power is required... compared to CAT diesels etc, fuel cell power sources offer distinct advantages... they are quiet, reliable and non-polluting. FCEL has a potentially immense market... hospitals, factories, oil refineries, server farms, telecom facilities, even NASDAQ signs in NY city, etc etc... These types of enterprises increasingly require "high 9s" power and/or backup power so, I'd expect that this type of alternative power project will be financed on its economic merits and evaluated in the normal course of capital expenditure decision making. Who knows how long it will all take but, my gut tells me the larger "hydrogen economy" will eventually wack the socks off coal and oil as a long term energy solution...
Cheers... |
