Investing in Alternative Transportation Fuel Research and Development

Seeking out alternative fuel research companies
By Felicia R. Blue Alternative transportation fuel research and development is highly speculative at the moment, so don’t expect an immediate return on investments in these alternative fuel businesses. However, the alternative fuel research industry does hold great promise. Alternative fuel is a worthwhile investment for two reasons: the cost of gas is constantly going up; and depending on foreign oil can be a national security issue. So we need to invest in alternative transportation fuel research and development.

This is not to say that we should forget about oil. After all, it is still the lifeline of the economy, and will be that way for years to come. However, it makes sense to invest in alternative fuel R&D. Many entrepreneurs are developing alternative fuel companies. Here are alternative fuel and research and development technologies you should consider:

1. Invest in alternative fuel research businesses that make fuel cells.
2. Invest in alternative fuel research companies that use hydrogen.
3. Invest in gas and energy companies that research for alternative fuels.

Invest in alternative fuel research businesses that make fuel cells

Fuel cells involve using a fuel such as hydrogen and converting it into electricity, which produces very little pollution. This alternative fuel is ideal for power sources in remote areas, including large parks, spacecraft, and remote weather stations. Fuel cells that operate on hydrogen can be light, compressed, and contain no moving components. Because they contain no combustion and no moving components, fuel cells ideally can be reliable up to 99.9999% of the time. Some companies are starting to use fuel cells, but much room exists for further alternative fuel R&D in this area.
Try:  Plug Power makes alternative fuel research products, including GenDrive, ideal for pallet trucks. Workers inside distribution or manufacturing centers can drive the GenDrive without having to swap out or recharge batteries. A publicly traded alternative fuel company, Plug Power has been in business for more than 10 years. You’ll also want to look at FuelCell Energy. This alternative fuel company makes Direct FuelCell products for commercial and industrial businesses. These products operate on biofuels.

Invest in alternative fuel research companies that use hydrogen

Hydrogen is highly regarded as a clean alternative fuel. However, it is still in the early stages of making an impact in society, because to date it's an expensive technology. However, if hydrogen lives up to its potential, it can prevent climate change, in addition to making Americans less dependent on foreign oil.
Try:  Quantum Technologies supplies hydrogen technologies to the automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). This alternative fuel company creates hybrid electric technology for military and luxury vehicles. Praxair is a Fortune 300 company that supplies gases, including hydrogen, to various customers. This company is heavily involved in research for alternative fuel. It's involved in the Oxy-Coal Power Plant project with Jamestown Board of Public Utilities in New York.

Invest in alternative fuel companies that are involved in alternative fuel research

Believe it or not, you would do well to invest in companies like Chevron or British Petroleum. These companies have the resources, including talent and capital, to research alternative fuels. They may focus on producing oil, but these corporations want a clean environment and a profit. They will take the steps to ensure this occurs.
Try:  British Petroleum is investing in alternative fuel research technologies. The corporation is involved in developing new types of biofuels in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chevron is also involved in alternative fuel research, including hydrogen, fuel cells, and biofuels.

• Consider investing in a mutual fund that invests in alternate fuel companies. That way, you'll get broad exposure to companies that invest in these technologies.