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 : FUEL CELLS 1999's Hottest Sector -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Stephen O who wrote (152)	12/20/2000 9:28:58 AM
From: James F. Hopkins	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 171

Ya it's got promise , but I bet the big boyz will limit just how much you can save one way or another. The venture cap and some utilities are already invested in it ( a dirt cheap prices too ) so being it's not making any real profits yet ..and just how much they will show in the future if I was going to invest I'd look up who got in before these things went public and buy some of them to reduce my risk by proxy. I've seen a lot of good ideas not turn much of a profit in this system we have. Marketing seems to be more important than the idea itself, so much goes on the public never sees and the big boyz have a way dropping the other foot and eating up competition or taking them over for a song. If this stuff can stand on it's own two feet and fight off the all the underhanded tricks of any companies it might compete with it will be an exception to the rule. ------------------- When "netscape came along" there had never been a better new Idea for the web..it was eaten up by AOL for less than a 5th of it's high in fact I think after it was all said and done he was forced to sell out at just about the original IPO price. Anther thing if you see a company that's been listed for 5 yrs and it's still just eating up money forget it. In this day and age things need to get to market fast or they don't have a chance. I look at all the hype of DSL..and all the fights going on about who is going to control it, hell by the time they get it rolled out there's going to be better and cheaper alternatives. Getting to market "FAST" and in a big way is a must and that's something I don't see this sector doing. Jim

To: Stephen O who wrote (152)	12/20/2000 11:19:42 AM
From: CH4	Respond to of 171

President-elect Bush, and Greenspan were discussing high energy costs, and lower interest rates as a priority the other day. With lower interest rate loans for industry and natural gas efficiency targeted, the fast tracking of solid oxide fuel cell natural gas home co-gen units is inevitable. Unfortunately the other types of proposed fuel cells are history due to their inability to compete with efficiency and costs of fuel cell systems like the ones being built by Global Thermoelectric (GLE). Here's one part of an un-biased series of natural gas reports ... Natural Gas Facts : Reliability Throughout North America, natural gas service is reliable. The resource base is ample, the delivery system is efficient and expanding rapidly, the restructuring of the industry and increased reliance on market forces have improved service, and contracts can be written to meet an individual customer's needs. The changing gas industry environment has allowed many new gas suppliers to enter the market, making customer choices greater than ever. As the gas industry works to increase its market share, it also is working to further enhance reliability. In the future, it will continue to develop technologies and systems that reduce costs, improve efficiency and provide even greater flexibility. Behind these industry-wide initiatives are thousands of individual companies that understand the importance of delivering natural gas on time - every time - to customers in all markets. Without reliable service, no amount of selling can convince someone to buy a product. But with a reputation for reliability - and a clean, efficient, competitively priced commodity - the gas industry is poised for an era of strong, sustainable growth. Natural gas energy can now be delivered throughout most of North America - and it can be delivered reliably to all customers. Five major factors have enhanced the ability of the gas industry to provide reliable service. Gas supplies are more than sufficient. Ample pipeline, storage and distribution capacity exists to ensure delivery. Companies have adjusted to the new industry structure, ensuring more reliable service. Reliance on market forces has made the industry more competitive and contract sanctity has ensured that customers get what they contract for. Reliable service requires commitment. Now and in the future, the gas industry is committed to deliver natural gas efficiently, affordably and reliably to customers of all types. Customers have never had a better opportunity to contract for the specialized gas services they require - and the gas industry has never been more ready and willing to meet those needs. There are as many different types of arrangements being worked out today as there are different customer needs. The price of gas is determined by market forces, and the cost of delivery is based on the nature of the service and the level of reliability the customer chooses. The following are a few examples of the types of transactions that have been worked out to enhance the reliability and flexibility of gas service: A gas supply contract contains a "replacement" clause stating that if the supplier fails to deliver the specified amount of gas for "unexcused" reasons, the supplier will reimburse customer for the difference between the cost of the undelivered gas and the cost of buying a substitute fuel and having it delivered. Some replacement clauses say the supplier will provide gas from another source or the Btu equivalent of an alternative fuel. A customer buys gas from a portfolio of supplies as means of enhancing reliability. In order to improve their bargaining position and increase their supply options, several gas customers from a consortium to purchase gas. Customers are offered long-term, fixed-price supply contracts by a marketer who has bought production commitments from producers and then added that gas to a supply pool that includes the marketer's own reserves. A supplier not only provides the gas, but also lines up the backup fuel for an interruptible customer. These are just a few examples. Potential arrangements are limited only by the imagination of the buyer and seller and their willingness to work together. Global Abundance Natural gas resources are widely and plentifully distributed throughout the world. At current consumption rates, many countries have several decades, if not centuries, of estimated natural-gas resources. A recent U.S. Department of Energy study reports that recoverable reserves and resources of natural gas in the lower 48 states total 1.295 trillion cubic feet, more than a 70-year supply at current production levels. Most of these reserves are recoverable at prices below $3.50, so the country is in no danger of running out of natural gas any time soon. Most U.S. gas demand is met by domestic production. In 1992, 9.2% of U.S. natural gas consumption was met by imports, virtually all arriving by pipeline from Canada. The low level of U.S. imports is typical of the natural gas markets worldwide. While nearly 50% of world oil production crosses a country's borders, only 16% of the world's gas production does so. energysource.com ... more Natural Gas Facts index globalte.com ... Shifting the Balance Power Global's fuel cell globalte.com ... GLE's PILOT FUEL CELL PRODUCTION PLANT