Fuel cells are an emerging and highly efficient energy conversion technology, with a wide variety of applications including consumer electronics, remote and distributed power applications, as well as automotive and mobile applications. FlowCath will enable fuel cell systems – in laptops for instance - to operate up to five times longer than is currently possible, at a materially reduced cost and can be applied to a wide range of fuel cells. This dramatic cost reduction is achieved through ACAL Energy’s radical approach which entirely removes the need for the precious metals currently used in the cathode and significantly improves the cell’s power density.

A recent Fuel Cell Today report indicated strong consumer pull for power devices such as fuel cells with longer lifetimes and higher efficiencies than that provided by traditional batteries. The advantage of the FlowCath technology lies in the fact that as a component, it can be used by a wide range of fuel cell developers and partners, enabling them to reduce their costs and get to market sooner.

Dr Andrew Creeth the technical founder of ACAL Energy Ltd with over 15 years R&D experience at a large research driven multinational, has brought his extensive expertise in surface and redox chemistry to addressing the key problems faced by the cathode component of a fuel cell. Following this investment, Bob Pettigrew is joining the Board as non-executive Chairman, and James Wilkie as a non-executive director.

Bob Pettigrew is a co-founder of Generics and has over 20 years experience in the development of emerging businesses, whilst James Wilkie is a former Development Director of Johnson Matthey Fuel cells.

"This investment marks an exciting time for Synergis Technologies and we are very pleased to be working with Acal Energy and our investment partners," stated Terry Swainbank, Investment Director, Synergis Technologies. "The technology here is truly unique and important if there is to be a viable future for fuel cells."

Dr Andrew Creeth, founder of ACAL Energy Ltd, commented:

"We have to date demonstrated in our laboratory based systems that our technology has the potential to deliver a huge benefit to both hydrogen and methanol powered fuel cells; with this investment and the support of Bob and James we will be able to

move FlowCathTM and our company to the next exciting stage of development."

ACAL Energy has previously received £420k in seed financing from the Rising Stars Growth Fund Limited Partnership, and is a graduate from the Carbon Trust incubator programme.