The funding will support development of a portable solid oxide fuel cell/JP-8 demonstrator, designed for soldiers' use in the field. The Army has identified a critical need for ultra-lightweight man portable power, chargers and power management for dismounted soldiers. The funding addresses this need, according to a release sent out by Congressman Brian Higgins' office.

The new funding is in addition to $2 million awarded to the company recently in the Energy & Water Appropriations Bill for a methane-powered fuel cell for water treatment facilities.

Also receiving funding in the defense bill is the Calspan-UB Research Center, which is slated to receive $1 million for the establishment of a National Center for Information Fusion Research. The center will provide the nation's defense intelligence and homeland security communities with a single point of access to worldclass researchers and scientists who have distinguished themselves in the discipline. The center will bring together experts from UB, the Rochester Institute of Technology and Pennsylvania State University.

Last week, the U.S. Army awarded NanoDynamics a $69,963 contract for research and development work. The contract came through the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command in Warren, Mich.