Core Insights - Plug Power's initial public offering (IPO) in 1999 generated significant investor enthusiasm, with shares rising from a split-adjusted $160 to over $1,300 within months [1] - The company's stock price subsequently fell by more than 99% following the dot-com bubble burst, but the current landscape for hydrogen fuel cells is more promising due to increased efficiency and demand projections for clean fuels [2] Group 1: Hydrogen Demand - The potential for large-scale hydrogen demand has been a recurring theme, with reports suggesting significant growth in global clean hydrogen demand projected to 2050 [3] - However, McKinsey & Company had to revise its long-term demand estimates down by 10% to 25% within a year, indicating challenges in realizing this demand [3] Group 2: Cost Competitiveness - The primary barrier to hydrogen adoption has been cost, with hydrogen prices increasing by 20% to 40% since earlier forecasts, making it less competitive compared to existing fuel sources [5] - Experts suggest that hydrogen could become cost-competitive by 2030, but this would likely require government incentives [5] Group 3: Technology Viability - Various hydrogen technologies exist, including proton exchange membranes for high power density applications, solid oxide fuel cells for large-scale power generation, and anion exchange membranes with lower production costs but durability issues [6] - The success of Plug Power will depend on which hydrogen technologies ultimately prevail in the market [6][7]