|
May 25 - May 31 2003 |
|
| Toray
Develops Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Toray Industries, Inc. has been conducting research on the development of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). For the practical application of DMFCs in the future, the company has already developed a novel polymer electrolyte membrane capable of reducing methanol permeability through membrane down to 20% relative to conventional membranes, and which can achieve high power density and large energy capacity. DTE Energy Technologies to Install Fuel Cells At Three Michigan Educational Institutions DTE Energy Technologies, a non-regulated subsidiary of DTE Energy Co. (NYSE: DTE) is in the final stages of installing three energy|now(TM) fuel cell systems at three state educational institutions as part of a grant program provided by the State of Michigan. The systems, manufactured
by Plug Power of Latham, N.Y., should be fully operational by the end of
the month.
Energy Visions Inc. Announces Achievement Of Key Flowing Electrolyte DMFC Benchmark Energy Visions Inc. (EVI) (NASD: OTCBB: "EGYV" and TSXV: "EVI.S") announced today that it has achieved a significant benchmark in the development of its proprietary flowing electrolyte Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). "The development team has
been able to double single cell electrolyte chamber performance over previous
designs while simultaneously achieving a simpler, more compact, lower cost
design. This achievement moves us substantially closer to our goal of commercializing
our unique flowing electrolyte DMFC" said Dr. Douglas James, VP and GM
of EVI's Fuel Cell Division in Calgary, Alberta.
Ener1 Expands Energy Business Ener1, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ENEI), an emerging leader in new energy sources, announced today that it has expanded its business with additional investments from Ener1 Group, Inc., its majority investor. The new investments, totaling approximately $1.6 million will be used in Ener1's development, design and production programs for advanced lithium batteries, fuel cells and solar cells. This will bring the total Ener1 Group investment in Ener1's new energy sources programs to approximately $6.4 million, since Ener1 Group's purchase of 80% of Ener1, Inc. in January 2002. Metallic Power Raises $13.5 Million in Oversubscribed Round of Funding Metallic Power, the leading developer of zinc regenerative fuel cells, today announced that it has closed its fourth round of venture capital funding, with $13.5 million in new investment and two new investors: CDP Capital -- Technology Ventures and Norsk Hydro Technology Ventures. All of the company's major
current investors participated in the round including: Arete Corp.; The
Beacon Group Energy Investment Fund II LP; Cinergy Ventures LLC, the venture
capital arm of Cinergy Corp.; Teck Cominco Ltd.; Hydro-Quebec CapiTech;
MP Investments Inc.; Nth Power; and Perseus LLC.
Matsushita to sell fuel-cell system for households Matsushita Electric Industrial Co said Tuesday it will release a fuel cell-based co-generation system for residential use in March 2005. The product is expected to
be sold for around 1 million yen, the consumer electronics maker said.
The fuel cell-based co-generation system generates electricity through
a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, extracting heat for warming
air and water.
Astris Energi, CareAction Update Joint Venture Astris Energi Inc. (OTC BB: ASRNF) has been advised this week by its joint venture partner, CareAction Inc., of Montreal, that the company expects to have its funding in place next month and be in position to complete closing of the joint venture -- Astris Transportation Systems Inc. (AATSI) -- that has already been formed in Montreal. "Our financing should be concluded by the third week in June," according to F. Lynnwood Farr, president and CEO of CareAction. Upon closing, ATSI will immediately initiate planning and installation of the world's first plant for production of Astris electric energy-producing alkaline fuel cell systems in its new headquarters, the 28,000-square-foot facility in St. Laurent, Quebec, formerly owned by HPower Corp. of Englewood, N.J. Technical teams of both companies
are meeting this week to work on the joint business development plans.
Ballard's decision to discontinue
its genset activities will not impact development of its fuel cell product
lines or commercialization plans.
Marconi and Metallic Power Partner to Deliver Zinc Fuel Cells Metallic Power, the leading developer of zinc regenerative fuel cells, and the Outside Plant, Power & Services group of Marconi Corp. plc (LSE:MONI) announced today a partnership to provide innovative zinc-based fuel cell backup power sources. Under the terms of the reseller
agreement, Marconi will use Metallic Power's zinc fuel cells in a variety
of applications in the telecommunications industry. Marconi is among the
market leaders in providing integrated and turnkey outside plant, power
and services equipment to telecom operators in North America. Under the
terms of the agreement, Marconi will place an order with Metallic Power
in what is believed to be the largest order ever placed for fuel cells
used in telecommunications back-up applications.
G-8 heads to push fuel cell progress Leaders of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations will agree at their summit starting this weekend in Evian, France, to work with the private sector in developing next-generation power sources, especially fuel cells, sources said. The nations are expected to support work on developing universal standards for fuel cells, as well as to build the infrastructure the power generation devices will require. The
G-8 leaders are expected during the summit, which starts Sunday and ends
Tuesday, to identify environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions,
as among the most pressing issues accompanying global economic growth.
Ohio's fuel cell plans gain momentum Kent State University’s Stark Campus in Canton will be the site next week of the Ohio Fuel Cell Symposium, a gathering of officials from the private and public sectors to discuss and promote Ohio’s nascent fuel cell industry. The one-day event Wednesday
will feature a slate of speeches, including one by Gov. Bob Taft, as well
as exhibits by companies and other organizations involved in the fuel cell
industry. It’s Ohio’s fourth fuel cell symposium since November 2001.
Crown Prince Naruhito, who serves as honorary president of the World Gas Conference, and executives of international oil majors attended the opening ceremony of the forum Sunday. Organisers said the theme "Catalysing an Eco-Responsible Future" meant more than just emphasising the benefits of natural gas, which has a new partner in environmentally friendly energy sources -- hydrogen. This conference, the 22nd since 1931, will exhibit fuel-cell automobiles and fuel-cell power generators for the home -- promoting the merits of hydrogen, which can be extracted from natural gas. "The age of hydrogen, as a bridging energy, is coming," said one conference organiser Mika Iseki. |
|
 |
