To encourage private investment in building a hydrogen infrastructure conducive to FCVs, tax credits for hydrogen production and fuel cell production-modelled after the wind production tax credit in the United States-could play a constructive role. Tax credits for fuel cell production could stimulate economies of scale to drive down costs. Additional incentives for so-called early adopters could motivate further investment, as could government purchases of FCV fleets. As the single largest user of energy in the world, the U.S. government can play a significant role in stimulating market demand for fuel cells.
The movement to bring hydrogen fuel cells to the forefront of the global energy market will require collaboration across industries. One example of such an effort is the California Fuel Cell Partnership. Formed in 1999, this consists of auto manufacturers, energy providers, fuel cell companies, hydrogen suppliers, developers of hydrogen fueling stations, transit companies, government agencies, and the environmental community. Its goal is to increase public awareness of fuel cells and prepare the market for commercialization of FCV technology.
The European Commission recently launched a high-level group of car and energy companies to ensure that European companies with interests in hydrogen and fuel cell development do not fall behind their Japanese and U.S. counterparts. The group, which includes Royal Dutch/Shell, DaimlerChrysler, and Renault along with 15 other companies, clearly recognizes the competitive advantage of early entrance into the fast-emerging hydrogen economy.
Bernie Fischlowitz-Roberts
Additional data and information sources can be found at:
http://www.earth-policy.org
or contact bernie@earth-policy.org
For reprint permissions contact rjkauffman@earth-policy.org
The movement to bring hydrogen fuel cells to the forefront of the global energy market will require collaboration across industries. One example of such an effort is the California Fuel Cell Partnership. Formed in 1999, this consists of auto manufacturers, energy providers, fuel cell companies, hydrogen suppliers, developers of hydrogen fueling stations, transit companies, government agencies, and the environmental community. Its goal is to increase public awareness of fuel cells and prepare the market for commercialization of FCV technology.
The European Commission recently launched a high-level group of car and energy companies to ensure that European companies with interests in hydrogen and fuel cell development do not fall behind their Japanese and U.S. counterparts. The group, which includes Royal Dutch/Shell, DaimlerChrysler, and Renault along with 15 other companies, clearly recognizes the competitive advantage of early entrance into the fast-emerging hydrogen economy.
Bernie Fischlowitz-Roberts
Additional data and information sources can be found at:
http://www.earth-policy.org
or contact bernie@earth-policy.org
For reprint permissions contact rjkauffman@earth-policy.org