Companies ranging from giants like United Technologies to lone garage-based inventors are pushing to refine and widely market the devices, particularly for residential uses. Technologies being developed range from large, stationary fuel cells that might power an entire neighborhood to tiny cells using reformed alcohol to operate laptop computers. Independent electric production is particularly attractive to communications companies, where loss of power can be economically disastrous. While still a niche item in American markets, the HydrocycleTM could have tremendous potential in the crowded cities of Asia. Much like the dawn of the automobile industry a century ago, or the early years of the personal computer era, we seem to be entering a wild, energized period in the development of fuel cells and other hydrogen based applications.
Fuel cells are just one example of alternatives being sought to traditional energy applications.
Both well known techniques, like wind or solar power, and more exotic technologies like microturbines and superinsulation are beginning to show promise. Though seldom noticed, hydrogen is an extremely important element in the world's chemistry. The ability to act as a fuel, both for combustion and electricity production, has prompted a small but enthusiastic group of engineers, activists and businesses to promote the conversion to a hydrogen based economy. The use of hydrogen is compatible with nature, rather than intrusive. We will never run out of hydrogen.