OYSTER BAY, N.Y., Oct. 17, 2000 (PRNewswire via COMTEX) — Fuel cells are now recognized as a transformative technology that will provide an efficient distributed generation power source for a myriad of applications.

Within the next few years, fuel cells will be providing power in markets ranging from residential units to vehicles, from cell phones to laptops, and many more. Fuel choice lies at the heart of the expansion of fuel cell applications.

The new Allied Business Intelligence (ABI) strategic market research report, "Fuel Cell Fuels Infrastructure," explores the technical and market dynamics of alternative fuels that will play large roles in future fuel cell markets.

"A definitive decision has yet to be reached on the fuels that will be used in the rapidly expanding fuel cell industry," said Atakan Ozbek, ABI Senior Energy Analyst and principal author of the report.

"ABI research demonstrates there will be different plays in different geographies when the fuel choice is made," notes Ozbek. "Starting in 2001, fuel used will largely be controlled by the type of fuel cell technology used. This has to happen in order for fuel cell vehicles to penetrate the markets by the end of decade," asserts Ozbek.

Fuel Cell Fuels Infrastructure examines the near- and mid-term technical, economic and supply issues and markets for fuel cell fuels. These fuels include hydrogen, natural gas, gasoline, ethanol, methanol, coal, diesel, synthetic fuels, peroxide, zinc and aluminum. The coverage spans stationary, automotive, and portable fuel cells in major markets around the world.

The market potential for various fuel types is examined for US/North America, the European Union, Japan and the Pacific Rim, and Latin America. Attention is also given to island fuel choices, as well as to the economics and eventual evolution of fully renewable fuel systems driven by wind and photovoltaics, yielding hydrogen for fuel cells.

The report explores the fuel dynamics that can be suited to automotive, stationary and portable fuel cells, respectively, and identifies the best routes to market for each type of fuel. The impacts of regulation, restructuring, delivery and storage infrastructures, grid limitations, rising consumption, shrinking known reserves, and regional political and economic considerations are discussed in detail.

Allied Business Intelligence Inc is an Oyster Bay, NY-based technology research think tank publishing strategic research on the broadband, wireless, electronics, automation, and energy industries. Details can be found at http://www.alliedworld.comor by calling 516-624-3113.

SOURCE Allied Business Intelligence Inc.

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