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August 30th, 2005
HydroGen Corporation (OTCBB:HYDG), partly through a $1.25 Million
grant from the Ohio Department of Development through the Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative, has planed a 400 kilowatt fuel cell project
in Ohio. The company plans to install and operate a 400 kW air-cooled phosphoric acid fuel cell module demonstration facility
and eventually place its corporate headquarters in the state, where it plans to create about 200 jobs between 2006 and 2008.
The demonstration is expected to form the basis for the development of the company’s 2 Megawatt Power Island product.
The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative was started in 2003 and has $100 million
available for the development of fuel cell technology. Lt. Governor Bruce Johnson, who is also director of the Ohio Department
of Development, indicated that Ohio was serious about fuel cell development, "The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative shows that 'Ohio
Means Business' when it comes to being a leader in fuel cell development. It demonstrates our commitment to bringing innovative
companies like HydroGen to Ohio."
Noting that Hydrogen was the first major project in the state was
Joshua Tosteson, President of HydroGen, "We are excited to bring our first major project to the state of Ohio. "This project
is a critical element of our product roll-out and sales strategy, and we are delighted to have such strong support from the
state of Ohio in this crucial phase of our business plan. Our company will become an integral part of Ohio's rapidly growing
home-grown fuel cell industry, and we are pleased to be partners with the state."
August 25th, 2005
UltraCell Announces Methanol Based Portable Fuel Cell for Low-Cost Computer
Applications
UltraCell has reported on the development of a methanol based fuel
cell that has twice the energy density of lithium batteries. The new fuel cell technology, called reformed fuel cell technology,
uses a micro reformer that generates its own hydrogen from a highly concentrated low-cost methanol solution. The company reports
that a new 25 Watt system under development only weighs 40 ounces and is about the same size as a paperback novel. The new
fuel cell to be called the UltraCell25 is expected to be available in 2006 for a number of different industrial as well as
business computer applications. The company also indicated that the fuel cell can be swapped out for easy repowering of a
computer and provides the dual function as a portable battery recharger.
The technology was developed with the help of key partners according
to Jim Kaschmitter, CEO of UltraCell "The major advantages of our system are the result of key advances by UltraCell and partners,
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, Pemeas and others, yielding a breakthrough in fuel reformer technology. UltraCell's
novel fuel reformer converts methanol fuel to hydrogen efficiently and in a very compact package. Our technical team solved
several key engineering challenges in thermal design and packaging to achieve this breakthrough. Our system provides a significant
performance advantage over competing fuel cell and battery solutions for portable power users."
August 25th, 2005
Digital Gas’ Joint Venture
Partner Selected for Funding Award for Ultracapacitor Technology
Digital Gas, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets:DIGG) reported that its joint
venture partner ICCU of the Netherlands has been selected for an award from the New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority ("NYSERDA"). The company indicates that the award, still pending approval, would be for ultracapacitor technology,
which the company indicates could resolve a number of power grid problems and help establish distributed power generation
as a more viable alternative to centralized power generation solutions.. Digital Gas also reported that ICCU, as part of the
"Energy Now" consortium would install its system in the Bronx.
ICCU and Digital Gas have made plans to manufacture and market the
Ultracap in the Americas through their "Digital Ultracap" joint venture. The Ultracap is said to be able to store electricity
with a 95 percent efficiency compared to other flow-battery systems that store electricity with an efficiency rating of between
80 and 85 percent.
August 24th, 2005
Biomedical Test Uses Urine Based Battery
In the August 15th, 2005 issue of Journal of Micromechanics and
Microengineering, Ki Bang Lee of the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology in Singapore divulged an inexpensive fabrication
process for the construction of paper batteries that use urine as an active ingredient. The battery, which is compatible with
plastic molding production techniques, is based on a magnesium layer and copper chloride doped paper. The battery is reported
to have a power capacity of greater than 1.5 milliwatt and has the potential to be integrated into bioMEMS devices used for
home diagnostic and medical tests.
August 16th, 2005
Fuel Cell Energy Details
U.S. Energy Bill Tax Credits
FuelCell Energy, based in Danbury, Connecticut was generally pleased
with the United States Energy Bill provisions. The company pointed out that the new bill provides for a 30 percent investment
tax credit, up to $1000 for each kilowatt for the purchase of fuel cell power plants. The company calculated that the savings
works out to be somewhere in the order of 1.5 to 2.0 cents per killowatt-hour or effectively a 20 to 25 percent cost reduction
for those that purchase its Direct Fuel Cell power plants.
Other provisions of the Bill that the company noted include a production
tax credit of 1.5 cents per kWh for fuel cell power plants that operate on biomass renewable fuels as well as $2 billion in
spending over the next five years for fuel cell R&D, $1.3 billion for hyrdrogen and fuel cell demonstration projects and
$450 million for fuel cell transition programs.
August 16th, 2005
Beacon Power Corporation (NASDAQ: BCON), a provider of grid stabilization technology, announced
its second quarter financial results for the period ended June 30, 2005. The company reported that revenues increased to $318,000
compared to $126,000 for the same quarter last year. For the six month period, gains were even higher. For the six months
ended June 30, 2005, revenue hit $954,000 compared to $184,000 for the same period last year.
Bill Capp, Beacon Power’ s CEO, with the financial report commented on the demonstration
systems being built in New York and California, "At the mid-way point of the year, we're proceeding on schedule with the two
Smart Energy Matrix demonstration systems we're building for installation in California and New York. In less than one year,
our engineering team has been able to design, develop, assemble and integrate the world's first flywheel matrix to demonstrate
how responsive energy storage can provide grid frequency regulation. The result of their efforts is that the system was successfully
tested and approved for shipment to California later this month, pending completion of installation site preparations."
Mr.
Capp further elaborated on growing market interest in its system, "With field testing of the first prototype Smart Energy
Matrix imminent, and the expected shipment of our second system to New York in the fall, we're beginning to see interest in
this demonstration from energy officials and experts around the country. With the Energy Bill now becoming law, including
new standards for grid reliability, we believe that our cleaner, better-performing technology will represent an appealing
alternative for grid operators and utilities."
James Spiezio, CFO of Beacon Power was optimistic about the operations of the company, "We
continue to meet with potential investors and other industry supporters. We believe that we will be able to raise sufficient
funds to continue operations and begin development of the flywheel system for the Smart Energy Matrix."
Beacon Power, through its flywheel based Smart Matrix System regulates the frequency of electricity,
called frequency regulation in the power industry. Frequency regulation is important for power utilities in order to produce
consistent levels of power to end-customers and hence maintain optimum electrical power efficiencies.
August 9th, 2005
WestStart-CALSTART, an organization that promotes the use of fuel cells for bus transportation
applications, reported that the United States Congress has provided $49 million in funding for a four year (2006 – 2009)
research and development program for hydrogen and fuel cell bus research. The funding for the National Fuel Cell Bus Technology
Development Program is a part of the recently passed $287 billion Transportation Equity Act of 2005. One of the goals of the
program is to make hydrogen and fuel cell buses a viable commercial reality. With that in mind WestStart indicated that it
now will work with the industry to determine the best ideas to implement.
WestStart-CALSTART's President and CEO, John Boesel, commended Congress for the passage of
the measure, "In a time of tight budgets, we commend Congress for giving the U.S. an important chance to be a leader in technology
than can help improve urban air quality and reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. Though the measure received strong
bipartisan support across the country, we want to particularly recognize the leadership of Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN)
and Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-CA)."
AUGUST 5th, 2005
Cellex Completes Alpha Fuel Cell Trials at
Wal-Mart – Wal-Mart to Help Commercialize Fuel Cells, Trials Illustrate Benefits of Fuel Cells Over
Lead Acid Batteries
As a result of alpha field trials of the hydrogen fuel cell product of Cellex Power Products,
Inc., at Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart Stores has agreed to further support Beta field trials of Cellex’ fuel cell power systems
for electric lift trucks. As part of the initial field trials, Cellex operated four fuel cell power units at Wal-Mart’s
food distribution center in Missouri.
Some of the benefits the fuel cells offer over traditional lead
acid batteries are that they run for longer periods of time than the 4 to 8 hours lead acid batteries offer and probably more
importantly, charge in only one minute, eliminating the need for companies such as Wal-Mart from keeping banks of charging
lead-acid batteries ready to be swapped into lift trucks to keep distribution flowing. Cellex indicates that large distribution
centers can change batteries over 300 times a day, complicating operations.
Commenting on the results of the alpha trials, Cellex's Vice President
Sales and Marketing Tom Hoying, noted that the lift truck operators were pleased, "In addition to the operational and economic
benefits, the lift truck operators were very pleased with the performance of their pallet trucks when powered by the Cellex
fuel cell product. Cellex's power units have the unique ability to maintain top speed and power at all times in the lift truck,
making it easier for operators to work." Perhaps more importantly he noted that Wal-Mart’s support of its fuel cell
effort will help accelerate the adoption of fuel cells in the material handling industry, "This is a significant event as
Wal-Mart's continued support of Cellex will be a key driver in moving fuel cells from a demonstration technology to a commercial
product in the material handling industry."
July 20th, 2005
Solicore Inc., involved in the development, manufacturing and sales
of polymer batteries, has closed phase one of its Series C Preferred Stock financing round. The $12.7 million round brings
the companies total funding up to levels that most funded company never see, $40 million. The company says that it anticipates
a second closing to the C round, to bring the C round’s total up to $15 million. Investors participating in the round
included a new investor Rho Ventures and a long list of veteran investors. These included Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Braemar
Energy Ventures, Firelake Capital, OPG Ventures, Air Products & Chemical, Inc. and a number of unnamed private investors.
Dave Corey, CEO of Solicore, Inc. commenting on the company’s
manufacturing, R&D and business plans said, "This infusion of capital will enable us to prepare for wide-scale customer
deployment and the transition to high-volume manufacturing."
JULY 20th, 2005
Electrovaya (TSX:EFL) has reported that Sustainable Development
Technology Canada (SDTC) plans to contribute $1.7 million (Canadian) for the further development of its Lithium Ion SuperPolymer
battery system. The funding still in final contract negotiations will be used to develop and demonstrate that battery system
for use in a zero-emission transportation project. With the announcement, Electrovaya also indicated that the project is also
supported through a $3.9 million (Canadian) investment from Electrovaya and other SDTC members: Unicell, Purolator, SouthWestern
Energy and Halton Hills Hydro Limited.
Both Purolator and Unicell commented on the project. Serge Viola,
Director of National Fleet/Maintenance for Purolator said, "Purolator's vision is to lead the industry to a future standard
of zero vehicle emissions. The reduction of our environmental footprint will benefit our customers, employees, the environment
and the company. Electrovaya's battery shows great promise for meeting our sustainability goals for transportation."
Scott Vader President of Unicell Limited noted that his company
will work with Electrovaya to improve its electric vehicle to lower energy and maintenance costs, "We are very pleased to
be working with Electrovaya and their SuperPolymer technology. This will enable our upcoming electric commercial vehicle to
have greater range, higher payload and more performance than currently available with existing battery technologies. Electrovaya
shares our drive to develop advanced transportation technology that wins on straight economics while also delivering social
benefits here and now. The Unicell QuickSider with Electrovaya's SuperPolymer battery pack will reduce well-to-wheels emissions
by as much as 80 percent while reducing our customers' energy and maintenance costs."
July 19th, 2005
Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) has received an order for 63
of its GenCore backup fuel cell systems from Tyco Electronic Power Systems, Inc., its distribution partner. According to the
company, the systems are to be integrated into the network of a United States based telecommunications provider.
William Godfrey, Senior Manager, Tyco Electronics Power Systems,
Inc. indicated that the backup system offers a cost effective solution for telecom companies seeking power outage protection,
“Through our direct sales force, we are promoting the GenCore product as a robust energy solution for critical telecom
infrastructure. Fuel cell power systems offer a cost effective solution to telecommunication providers seeking reliable extended
outage protection.”
Noting the traction of Plug Power and its orders to date, was Mark
Sperry, Plug Power’s Chief Marketing Officer, “This sale is Plug Power’s second significant order in the
past month and we believe that this is indicative of the progress we are making toward our public milestone of 300 GenCore
orders this year. While major telecoms continue to purchase and test our fuel cell systems, we believe this sale represents
real commercial traction and validates the strong value proposition offered by GenCore.”
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