Taking the next step anyway
June 2nd, 2009
Catherine Dunwoody started the automotive commercialization panel discussion yesterday saying “we’re past the hype and onto the hard work” when it comes to fuel cells. She also pointed out that, in the wake of US DOE Secretary Chu’s proposed light duty automotive program funding cuts, “we’re taking the next step anyway.”
Those of you who are US citizens can help. Through the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network – a grassroots campaign to integrate fuel cells and hydrogen into the green energy economy – you can send a letter to your Congressman telling him/her you support hydrogen and fuel cells and asking for the restoration of the budget to, at least, 2009 levels. It’s as easy as 1-2-3, folks so, apathy aside! Click here to send your letter.
Sebastian Blanco from AutoblogGreen.com is in town covering the conference. You can read his more in-depth account of the session here, as well as links to his other posts.
Let’s cross that chasm with a lift truck
June 2nd, 2009
If there was one interesting thing to come out of Steven Crolius’ presentation yesterday morning, it was his mention of Geoffrey Moore’s book, Crossing the Chasm. In his book, Moore makes the case that, when it comes to high tech products, a chasm exists between commercial products and mainstream markets, and that taking a “stepping stone” approach to getting across the divide is the way to go. In a nutshell, companies can do that by choosing the right markets to target initially (typically smaller, niche markets where needs are more narrowly defined (i.e. fuel cell-powered lift trucks in three shift operations)) and then using that group to market to the next.
When it comes to fuel cells, you’ve only got to take a look around at this conference to see just how applicable and relevant this “stepping stone” concept is; how many companies are here talking about emerging and smaller market applications for hydrogen and fuel cell technology? I know things like generators and lift trucks aren’t sexy like cars are sexy but when you start taking about fuel cell value props in non-automotive markets, I’d be lying to say the dollars and cents don’t turn people on.
It’s an Industry not a Miracle
June 2nd, 2009
Day 1 and miracles seem to be flowering like it was spring time in the fuel cell and hydrogen industry. But what do we mean by miracles? 10 years ago the miracle would have been any form of sales. After all this is the eternal 10 years away industry isn’t it? Now the miracle would be profit. Now that is a word that makes you sit up doesn’t it! Strange how miracles change with time, a bit of faith and a real lot of elbow grease and hard graft.
So how many times did we hear comments and presentations based on business? A good number - thank crunchie. What about the golden word - profit…. . Well we certainly heard it from one company and they weren’t taken about in the next ten years. They said now! Honestly!!!
The conferene itself is a really good mix of hydrogen and fuel cell technology, advocates, business people and academics and so far business in the halls as well and the presentations have had a real stiff competition on their hands with the heavenly weather and stunning views. It is a real testament to the determination of this INDUSTRY (yes we emphasis that point) that most people have stayed out of the sun and into the work.
Day 2 and the bells are ringing to call the faithful into prayer -sorry back to miracles. We meant that the bells are calling us into the meeting hall. After all folks we see this as a business not a question of faith.
Until later
Kerry-Ann and Lisa from Fuel Cell Today
PS all comments in this blog are personal and not meant to represent the views of any of the companies here or the organising committee or even our own company.
It’s a question (and answer) of “and” not “or”
June 1st, 2009
Did you know there are more than 35 countries represented at this conference? I’ve already met representatives from eight, and this evening’s reception is about to start. I will be doing my best in a few minutes, glass of wine in hand, to meet representatives from the remaining 27.
Today, I’ve heard many people speak about the need for collaboration … whether between governments, within the sector, across industry sectors … the list goes on. And it makes sense. The hydrogen and fuel cell industry faces some significant challenges still; when you’re working towards many of the same goals, there’s economic and political sense in collaborating to remove some of the hurdles. So many attendees, from across the globe, are a testament to the willingness to share and learn.
However, this industry is also full of fierce competition. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Competition is critical to driving innovation and achievement. But, my point is, I’ve spent long enough working in the industry to know how tough it can be, and I’ve heard more than one of you talk about why one solution will work and another won’t, and why something one company does is better than another approach.
So, can productive collaboration and healthy competition really coexist?
Welcome to the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009 Conference blog
May 29th, 2009
Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009 is Canada’s premier international hydrogen and fuel cell event. The conference will showcase Canada’s leadership in commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cell technology, with more than 1,000 international delegates.
The conference runs June 1-3, 2009 at the new Vancouver Convention Centre.
The conference program is available at: http://www.hfc2009.com/itoolkit.asp?pg=CONFERENCE_PROGRAM
You can also visit our social media room for media materials, video and photos: http://www.hfc2009.com/itoolkit.asp?pg=SOCIAL_MEDIA_ROOM
Please stay tuned to this site for regular postings during the conference from several bloggers participating in the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009 conference.
For any media inquiries, please contact me, Sara Bearchell, at 604-623-3007 x 240 or by email sara.bearchell@karyo-edelman.com.