A new study commissioned by the US Department of Environment has confirmed there are sufficient supplies and resources in the ground to meet the long-term demand for platinum from all applications, including fuel cells.

Conducted by TIAX, formerly Arthur D Little's Technology & Innovation business, to specifically examine the availability of platinum for use in fuel cells, the report concludes that platinum supplies will not be a barrier to fuel cell commercialisation.

The study also explained that the platinum industry is already expanding primary production at a rate required to meet platinum demand from fuel cell vehicles.

'We commend the US Department of Energy for commissioning an independent study on this very important technology development issue,' commented Marcus Nurdin, managing director of the International Platinum Association.

'Platinum provides the necessary catalyst for low-temperature fuel cells of the type being developed for transportation and other uses in the future. These fuel cells will help usher in the coming hydrogen economy with its environmental and energy security benefits.'

According to the TIAX study, increased demand for platinum will probably increase platinum prices in the short term, but as platinum supplies are sufficient to meet expected demand, prices should stabilise over the longer term.

Mr Nurdin added: 'The statement that a little platinum goes a long way is true today and will be even more so tomorrow.

'For example, the average amount of platinum required for use as a coating in an autocatalyst  has declined over the past decade. We expect the same to be true of fuel cells.'