FuelCell Energy Inc (FCEL)

[Maximilliano]

Patently false Stew.

Exxon likes partnerships. If you examine their history, they collaborate...not buy out companies. They maintain their core business which is the exploration for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas, as well as the manufacture, trade, and transportation of crude oil, natural gas, petroleum products, and petrochemicals.

ExxonMobil's corporate strategy has been focused on increasing organizational speed, agility, level of innovation and the ability to bring new ideas to market effectively.

Fuelcell owns over 108 worldwide patents for MCFC's which is used in carbon capture. Exxon is co-owner of some patents with FCE, and with the DOE for the work done at Southern Company's Plant Barry. Exxon is licensed to use patents but somebody has to do the complete build.

Exxon may choose, in this case, to buy out FCE which all shareholders would approve, or they may choose to buy FCE's tech and put it on their power plants, which would require FCE's expertise. Or they may do PPA's with 20 year license and maintenance agreements. Or something altogether different. In any event it's big bucks to FCE. Since we know the transition from fossil fuels will be decades in the making...why retire a company with 50 years of research and development in multiple fuel cells and an advanced relationship with the DOE?

The only thing we can be sure of is it makes good business sense to wait for government policy to create subsidies and extend Investment Tax Credits before commercialization. That way, when the carbon capture is proven successful in the field, the roadmap for government participation is already established.

This recent post by HH7 on a new job position is the tell.

Job Description
This position will provide on-site technical support for a fleet of molten carbonate fuel cell power generation, biogas fuel, hydrogen generation and carbon capture facilities.

Responsibilities:
You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for the installation, start-up commissioning, operation and service of advanced fuel cell-based systems for power generation, hydrogen production, and carbon capture applications. (These are new fuel cell plants...not existing ones.)

https://careers-fuelcellenergy.icims.com/jobs/2052/field-electrical-engineer%2c-power-plants---east-coast/job?mobile=false&width=1200&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-480&jun1offset=-420