DuPont direct methanol fuel cell technology will be repackaged and integrated with system technology by SFC Smart Fuel Cell, a market leader in fuel cell technologies for portable offgrid power applications, to provide a compact, lightweight, dependable power supply. Soldiers carry an array of power consuming devices, ranging from night vision and optical displays to communications systems and computers. Brigadier General James R. Moran, PEO Soldier, notes that revolutionary changes in Soldier Power are necessary in order for the U.S. Army to realize its goal for future force transformation.

“Our Soldier Power proposal was one of 15 programs selected out of 424 submitted draft proposals, because we’re proving real progress in the advancement of fuel cell technology,” said Drew Weber, global business director, DuPont Fuel Cells. “Last month we announced product improvements that dramatically increase the durability and lifetime of fuel cell membranes, dispersions and Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) components for hydrogen and methanol based fuel cells. In May 2005 we introduced a more powerful, longer running DuPont Gen IV direct methanol MEA technology, and we continue to deliver essential technologies to benefit a range of applications for fuel cells, including those in military defense.”

“We are very pleased to contribute our proven expertise in the construction of soldier worn fuel cell systems to the ‘Soldier Power’ project,” said Christian Böhm, manager, Product Engineering, SFC Smart Fuel Cell. “This will bring a considerable acceleration and additional synergy effects to the project. We have been cooperating with the U.S. Army (CERDEC) since 2004, and in that time have consistently increased the Technical Readiness Level from prototype to product. As a result of this project, we expect to see a fully fielded product by the end of 2007.”

The DACP provides the opportunity to propose alternative technologies, product improvements, or enhanced processes. Opportunities proposed, known as Challenge Proposals, at the component, subsystem, or system level of an existing DOD acquisition program, are evaluated for resulting improvements in performance, affordability, manufacturability, or operational capability of that acquisition program. Challenge Proposals are evaluated under the guidelines outlined in Title 10 USC Section 2359b DACP, and are open to any technology, product, or process that demonstrates a near-term (12-24 months after project inception) potential to improve existing acquisitions for any DOD activity.

DuPont Fuel Cells is a technology and market development organization enabling the advancement of fuel cell technology and products with leading players in the industry. By driving the technology to make fuel cells a commercial reality in the near and long term, its mission is to become the leading global supplier of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell membranes and components, to power automobiles, electronics, and residences. For more information, please visit http://www.fuelcells.dupont.com. For more information about SFC Smart Fuel Cell, visit www.smartfuelcell.com.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.