This Week's Herman Trend Alert Demand-Driven Workforce Development

The Herman Trend Alert January 10, 2007 Fuel Cell Technology Comes of Age We have been all seen the popularity of hybrid cars. Now, we are seeing the use of fuel cell technology in stationary applications. Before now, the technology had been too expensive. Fuel cells can generate electricity in remote areas or anywhere that an uninterrupted power supply is desired. Those locations include private homes, small office complexes, hospitals, manufacturing plants, platform refineries, and even large boats. AFC recently signed with a major international chlorine producer for which hydrogen is a natural byproduct of their process. Used by themselves or in conjunction with other renewable energy sources like wind or solar, fuel cells optimize the efficiency of alternative systems or act as a time-shift device, affording the production of power any time of the day or night. Unlike other technologies, including solid oxide, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), and direct methanol fuel cells, these more efficient new alkaline fuel cells from AFC Energy, use a unique, new printable membrane that is significantly less expensive than the nickel- meshed membranes of the competition. In addition, they feature new electrode materials, have a novel overall configuration, novel operating parameters, and features that make them easy to service. These developments increase the system's efficiency, dramatically reduce the cost, and improve the reliability and functionality. The benefits of this new technology are remarkable. Besides operation with zero harmful emissions, the new fuel cells cost less and function at a lower temperature than the competition. "It's all about the money," says Howard White, chairman of AFC Energy, launching Q1 2007 on the United Kingdom stock exchange. Unlike competitive products, these cells do not require platinum for their electrodes. Right now, the electrodes in most fuel cells cost a minimum of USD$1400 per kilowatt hour; AFC has brought the cost down to less than USD$100 and is working on getting it down to USD$20 per kilowatt hour. The best part for the planet is AFC's fuel cells require no fossil fuels to operate and are more environmentally friendly. http://www.afcenergy.com/m_17.asp We expect fuel cell technology to increase in acceptance as this new, more efficient version of the technology is adopted. © Copyright 1998-2008 by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND! If you've been thinking about attending our valuable Employee Retention Specialist Certificate Program, don't delay--only three spaces remain. With the employment market heating up, many positions are literally impossible to fill. Attend this course and you will learn dozens of low-/no-cost valuable strategies to attract and retain the talent you need. Recertification credit from HRCI. Next program: May 22-23, Charleston, SC. Call Carol at 336-282-9370 or visit http://www.employeeretentionspecialist.com. GET INSIDE THE MINDS OF YOUR EMPLOYEES Find out what's really going on inside the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-648-1918 or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. NEW BABY BONUS Book Joyce to speak on the West Coast in 2008 and receive 100 of her books of your choosing. There is a new baby in the family, Spencer Jay, and Joyce would appreciate more opportunities to watch him grow. For more about Joyce, visit http://www.hermangroup.com/joyce.html or call Joyce at 336-210-3548. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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