Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Plug Power Fuel Cells (PLUG) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mr Bones who wrote (45)	2/3/2000 7:01:00 PM
From: Erik T	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 83

Mr Bones, One more tid-bit. When I heard about the Microgen, I went to GE's website and put my utility info into their calculator. It said I would save $3 on my monthly electric bill. Certainly not enough for me to buy a Microgen. This past month, it turns out my utility company raised the price for natural gas by about 12%, with no change in electricity. Microgen certainly would not benefit me. I need to check into BLDP to see if they're in a better situation. I would be very curious to hear your comments, even as a personal message. One issue has continued to trouble me. Currently an internal combustion engine costs about $3,000 to make. Ballard is planning on a 75 kw fuel cell stack, gas reformer, electric motor and probably a few extra batteries. This will have to be at least relatively cost competitive to a conventional engine. As I understand it, Ballard has always been regarded as the undisputed leader in PEM fuel cell technology. If the residential fuel cell market is going to be so big, and a home unit need only be 7kw with no electric motor, then I would think that if Ballard can make a system fit in a car and have a low enough cost, why not go aggressively after the residential fuel cell market instead. They have made preliminary plans for a plant to make 300,000 units per year, starting production no sooner than 2004. Yet, you have Plug Power with no obvious technological advantage getting support from Bank Boston/Robertson Stephens saying Plug may sell 250,000 units in 2001. Something just does not sound right. I have heard prices on the order of $8,500 for a Microgen. I would think Ballard could make a handy profit and start selling more units earlier if these predictions about residential demand are accurate, IF they can make an automobile fuel cell profitable. It just doesn't sit right with me. Erik (IMHO)