Core Insights - Renewable energy adoption is expected to significantly increase global demand for hydrogen, with projections indicating that by 2050, renewable energy could supply up to two-thirds of the world's power needs [1] - Plug Power, a leading hydrogen stock, is positioned favorably in this market, but uncertainties remain regarding hydrogen's viability as a fuel source and the company's technological approach [2] - Hydrogen fuel has potential to decarbonize challenging sectors such as mass transportation and steel production, but it currently lacks economic viability compared to other renewable sources like wind and solar [3][4] Economic Viability - Hydrogen fuel is not economically viable at present, with costs decreasing but not fast enough to compete with other renewable fuels [4][5] - Some estimates suggest hydrogen could reach cost parity by 2030, while others predict meaningful parity may not occur until the 2040s [5] Technological Considerations - There is uncertainty regarding which hydrogen fuel technology will dominate in the long term, with Plug Power primarily utilizing proton exchange membranes (PEM) technology [6][8] - PEM technology is less efficient in certain applications compared to solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), but it is more scalable and has greater real-world applications currently [7][8] Market Outlook - A report from McKinsey & Company indicates that significant adoption of alternative fuels like hydrogen may take another decade or two, with broad adoption unlikely before 2040 unless mandated [9] - Plug Power faces challenges as its end markets are not expected to improve soon, and the company is incurring substantial losses, leading to shareholder dilution [10]
Plug Power's 25-Year Outlook -- Is This Hydrogen Stock a Long-Term Buy?