| SEOUL--LG
Chem Ltd said that it plans to commercialize its in-house developed portable
fuel cells for use in laptops and other portable electronic devices by
the end of this year.
The light, small fuel cells have
operating lives of more than 4,000 hours, 8 times longer than products
developed by competitors.
One fuel cell cartridge with 200cc
capacity can power a 25-watt laptop for more than 10 hours, the company
said.
"Developing a fuel cell which has
a durability and reliability is a great opportunity for LG Chem" to establish
a strong strong presence in the global market," said Yeo Jong-Kee, president
and chief technology officer of LG Chem.
"Once the global codes and standards
for portable fuel cells are ready within the end of this year, the company
will start commercialization soon after," Yeo said.
Global demand for portable fuel cells
is estimated at 600 mln usd next year and grow up to 1.9 bln usd by 2010.

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