Another concern is that hydrogen for use in most fuel cells will come from fuels such as natural gas, which has also become far more expensive. Coal represents more than half of the nation's generating capacity, and coal-fired plants in Montana and Washington are important portions of the region's core portfolio. But environmental concerns have limited coal's appeal as a way of meeting growth in electricity demand. The governor of Utah, for example, has discussed capacity increases at three coal-fired power plants in that state. While the energy crunch has some thinking about reviving plans to finish nuclear plants in this state, it's a long shot.
Nuclear power carries heavy political baggage because of environmental concerns.
Nuclear power in the Northwest also has the financial black eye left by the Washington Public Power Supply System's botched plan to build five nuclear plants. One went into operation, but four were terminated while still under construction and far over budget. The debacle led to the largest municipal bond default in American history. His column appears Mondays and Wednesdays.