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To: robnhood who wrote (103147)	5/18/2001 9:54:03 AM
From: Haim R. Branisteanu	Respond to of 436258

rrman, I just do not get it why people do not read trough the whole sequence of post before rendering an opinion. Tell your friends to read what I posted on SI about fuel cells.......... for the last 2 years ......... and they are correct there are few busses running on membrane technology of BLDP and even small electricity generator this technology has around 60% efficiency and needs lots of R&D to improve readability so is the design of FCEL who has problems with carbon depositions from natural gas and erosion problems and the list goes on. ............ the issue I pointed out was the fuel cells were known since over 100 years ago and prototypes were around for a while but technology in this field did not achieved the reliability and maturity of combined cycle power plants with an efficiency of close to 58%, not to mention their ability to handle big power fluctuations ............ as to the stocks all companies in the field are money loosers Haim

To: robnhood who wrote (103147)	5/18/2001 10:12:20 AM
From: yard_man	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 436258

I would add to Haim's comments: You'll see automotive concerns and utilities buying the technology for demonstration purposes -- to get familiar with the operating costs, practical experience, etc -- even if it doesn't look like something will be a big commercial success. Also, I believe the Ballard product PEM-type fuel cells is only one of at least three different types. I think the other types which operate at higher temperatures may be better for the apps which Earlie referenced and the additional heat can be used for heating, water heating or other industrial needs. Haven't looked into the BLD installations in particular, but wouldn't be surprised if there weren't some incentives or strict environemental specs involved there ... they have also been used by NASA in the space program where there are issues more important than cost. I am optimistic about fuels cells finding some real good niches, but ballard in particular -- when I followed it -- discounted them taking over the world, IMO.