Many debate the timing of such a development. Only by defining the nature of a future hydrogen energy system, by identifying the path to such a system, and by actively taking the first steps along that path will we, as a world society, achieve that goal in time to avoid serious environmental and economic disruptions. The National Hydrogen Association, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy, is embarking upon the process of defining the path and beginning the journey. Neither group can succeed alone. Both have unique strengths and weaknesses.
Industry has the expertise and financial resources to bring new products to the marketplace.
But industry must respect the bottom line and the demands of its stockholders to provide short-term return on investment. Industry cannot finance long-term societal goals such as clean air and reduced dependence on foreign oil. Government alone has the long-term staying power and the mission, acting on behalf of all citizens collectively, to develop and promote new technology and new policies that will achieve societal objectives. Working together, government can provide the seed money and regulatory environment to start the process, and industry can provide the marketplace savvy and the large capital investment, once the hydrogen technology development comes within industrial planning horizon time scales. The Hydrogen Commercialization Plan is a living document to be revised and expanded over the coming years as more and better information becomes available about new technologies and the growing market for hydrogen energy systems.