An impending platinum crisis and its implications for the future of the automobile

Chi-Jen Yang

Energy Policy, 2009, vol. 37, issue 5, 1805-1808

Abstract: The global demand for platinum has consistently outgrown supply in the past decade. This trend likely will continue and the imbalance may possibly escalate into a crisis. Platinum plays pivotal roles in both conventional automobile emissions control and the envisioned hydrogen economy. A platinum crisis would have profound implications on energy and environment. On the one hand, inadequate platinum supply will prevent widespread commercialization of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. On the other hand, expensive platinum may enhance the competitiveness of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-powered electric cars. Policymakers should weigh the potential impacts of a platinum crisis in energy policy.

Keywords: Platinum; Automotive; catalyst; Hydrogen; economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (18)

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