This case is about GOVERNMENT, NETWORKING, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2004
Fuel Cells: The Hydrogen Revolution? Case Solution
Analysis is done on the issues faced in making a hydrogen fuel cell powered transportation in the US, which assured that greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced as well as the depencence on imported oil would be reduced. One of the challenges faced comprises of a “chicken and egg” dynamic in which the customers would be reluctatnt to purchase hydrogen-fueled cars till there is a country-wide network of hydrogen stations available, and such a network will not be supplied with no critical mass of vehicles.
Investigates efforts of the George W. Bush administration and the U.S. Department of Energy in developing hydrogen fuel cell technology and infrastructure and in defeating the chicken-and-egg dynamic. Additionally covers tax regimes and industrial policy in the efforts of automobile manufacturers to develop environmentally friendly transport, and the European Union and the United States, Japan.