Fuel Cell

The device, manufactured by Fujitsu Laboratories, generates power by combining methanol and hydrogen. DoCoMo claims that development of the cell could be completed by the end of 2005. "The micro fuel cell is aimed at meeting user demands for more convenient handsets with greater power capacity, as well as reduced environmental impact," DoCoMo said in a statement.

Astris Energi Inc. (ASRNF) announced that it has commenced marketing of its new, silent-running, emission-free, Model E7 AFC Generator. The E7 is an advanced version of the Model E6 power unit that has successfully powered Astris' Freedom Golf Car for the past three years. The E7 is built with two 900W Astris' POWERSTACK(tm) MC250 alkaline fuel cell stacks giving the unit a 1.8kW nominal power rating with the ability for maximum power output to reach 2.15kW, a 20% overload factor. The Model E7 is designed as a direct replacement for existing traction batteries used in a wide variety...

Alternate Energy Corp (ARGY) announced the completion of the second phase of its backup power initiative with the final testing of its beta version demonstration HPU (Hydrogen Production Unit). Last week, the HPU successfully powered the Company's recently converted internal combustion engine (ICE) with its low-cost, on-demand hydrogen. Over the past several months, AEC has been focused on the building of ICE and fuel cell generator sets to demonstrate to investors and potential customers AEC's hydrogen fuel production capability. AEC's Chairman, Blaine Froats, stated, "AEC's demo unit will prove that an ICE generator can produce electricity using safe,...

Mechanical Technology Inc (MKTY) has been named Business Leader in the Energy category for pioneering work commercializing its Mobion(TM) micro fuel cell technology for the portable electronics market. The Mobion(TM) cord-free rechargeable micro fuel cell is based on a number of MTI Micro breakthrough discoveries, covered by numerous patents (either granted or in application), enabling effective miniaturization of a greatly simplified fuel cell system of high energy density. MTI Micro's proprietary Mobion(TM) power pack technology is being designed to deliver extended run-time and instant re-charge benefits for powering a broad array of future portable electronic devices.

Hydrogenics Corp (HYGS) announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2004. "While 2004 proved to be a challenging year, we begin 2005 poised for significantly improved financial performance," stated Pierre Rivard, President and CEO of Hydrogenics. "To improve the performance of our test system business, we implemented changes in management and staffing levels, product design and business processes. We believe the acquisition of Stuart Energy reduces our risk profile, significantly expands our product offering, strengthens our global presence, and accelerates our pathway to profitability."

The US Navy officially exercised its two options in the PEM fuel cell demonstration contract with Hoku Scientific, Inc. (HOKU). The total amount of the options is $2.5 million in addition to the $2.1 million already under contract. "Since the initial contract was awarded in March 2005, Hoku Scientific has met the development milestones for its membrane electrode assemblies on-time and as-expected," said Charles Combs, director of renewable energy programs for the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake, California, who is the program manager for the U.S. Navy's contract...

Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest carmaker, said it agreed to develop fuel-cell vehicles in China, as part of global efforts to invest in low-polluting cars. Volkswagen signed an agreement with Tongji University and German engineering company IAV to produce a model fuel-cell vehicle, the German carmaker said in an e-mailed statement. Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen will provide the body and Tongji will contribute fuel cells and high-power batteries, it said.

The Bush administration's budget for fiscal 2006 would provide more dollars to advance the production of domestic energy from coal, hydrogen and nuclear sources. The president's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative would receive an additional $35 million in funding in fiscal 2006, bringing total funding to $260 million. In 2003, Bush proposed $1.2 billion over five years to further the development of technologies to produce hydrogen and store hydrogen energy. The budget would also provide $3.6 billion in tax incentives through 2010 to spur renewable energy, as well as hybrid and fuel-cell vehicle purchases.

The automotive fuel cell industry now stands out as a glimmering beacon in the supply chain's vertical landscape. Driven by factors ranging from homeland security to diminishing natural resources, the fuel cell supply chain market will explode to somewhere between $1 billion and $2 billion by 2012, according to analysts at ABI Research.

Hydrogenics Corp (HYGS) announced that the Company has undertaken a second work order with ChevronTexaco Technology Ventures LLC under the master services agreement signed between the two companies earlier this year. Hydrogenics' contract is for the provision of engineering and product- related services to integrate a fully packaged hydrogen generator based on proprietary natural gas reforming technology being developed by ChevronTexaco. Plans for the facility include ultimately having the capacity to generate 150 kg/day of hydrogen to serve the fueling needs of a fleet of fuel cell demonstration buses at AC Transit in Oakland, California. The station...

UTC Fuel Cells, a business of United Technologies Corporation (UTX), today announced changes to its long-standing relationship with Toshiba. Under the terms of the agreement, UTC Fuel Cells will purchase Toshiba's 10 percent ownership interest in UTC Fuel Cells, and Toshiba will purchase UTC Fuel Cells' 49 percent interest in Toshiba International Fuel Cells (TIFC). UTC Fuel Cells manufactures the PureCell 200(TM), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC) stationary power unit, and develops proton exchange membrane technology (PEM) fuel cells to power cars and buses. UTC Fuel Cells also is developing PEM for stationary power plants. Toshiba is...

Hydrogenics Corp (HYGS) reported today that it has been awarded a contract by The Toro Company (TTC) to supply a HyPM fuel cell power module for integration into the company's development work in grounds maintenance equipment. This contract is part of Toro's ongoing strategic alternative energy research and development initiative for turf care equipment.

DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX) reported Thursday that it doubled the number of fuel cell powered vehicles it manages in the United States in December. The company said it is preparing 19 vehicles for customers in California and Michigan. The vehicles include the Mercedes F-Cell passenger car and medium-duty Dodge Fuel Cell Sprinter van.

Hydrogenics Corp (HYGS) has sold a light weight 5kW hydrogen/oxygen Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack to the NASA Glenn Research Center, which will use it in an experimental closed cycle hydrogen-oxygen regenerative fuel cell. This type of system can be used for energy storage in places where oxygen is not easily available, such as very high altitude, space or underwater environments. NASA will use this stack as part of its research program to understand how the regenerative fuel cell will operate in future aerospace applications.