The BOP is the part of the fuel cell system that allows the fuel cell to provide heat and electricity in a reliable manner, and includes FCT's proprietary control systems, which are key to the operation of the fuel cell. Developed over the past 15 years, FCT's BOP has been extensively refined and is now widely considered the best system for small scale SOFCs.

"The data package agreement and this sales contract illustrate Siemens confidence in FCT's BOP capabilities", said John Stannard, FCT's President and CEO. "The Alpha balance of plant has proved that it is well suited to testing solid oxide cell stacks for long periods and we are now exploring the possibility of marketing the system as a test stand to third parties".

Under the terms of the agreement, FCT will provide Siemens on a non- exclusive basis with the design of its Alpha system to allow Siemens to use the system for internal test purposes, as well as to monitor, control and operate SOFC systems at a limited number of Siemens' customer sites to validate generator design concepts as well as alternate fuel capabilities of SOFC systems at smaller scale.

Fuel cell systems are the future of power generation because of their environmental benefits and high efficiency. FCT's systems are designed to operate on a variety of readily available fuels and provide a highly efficient, environmentally friendly method to produce on-site electricity and heat that can be used in a variety of remote, commercial, industrial and residential applications. FCT is now delivering its SOFC systems to customers around the world.