| SOUTHBOROUGH,
Mass.--Protonex Technology Corporation (LSE: PTX), a leading provider
of advanced fuel cell power systems for sub-kilowatt portable, remote and
mobile applications, has received a significant subcontract from Cummins
Power Generation, a business group of Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), to supply
solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power systems for integration into a demonstration
system for commercial mobile applications. Cummins, a global leader in
power generation and distribution, was awarded the program by the U.S.
Department of Energy to develop a diesel-fueled SOFC system for on-highway
truck auxiliary power.
Cooperation with Cummins on this
program represents a significant milestone in efforts by Protonex to gain
greater access to commercial markets with its SOFC products. With sales
of $11.4 billion in 2006, Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries
through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities
and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins Power Generation, a $2.2
billion enterprise, is a global leader in increasing the availability and
reliability of environmentally responsible electric power around the world.
Integrating SOFC auxiliary power
systems in over the road trucks will allow a significant reduction in main
engine idle operation and result in greater fuel savings and lower emissions
than what is possible with current technologies. The SOFC power system
will supply base power for air conditioning, heating, lighting and other
loads. Fuel cells can offer higher efficiencies and significantly lower
emissions than typical small auxiliary power systems that utilize internal
combustion engines.
Running fuel cell systems on common
organic fuels, such as propane, gasoline and diesel, enables the deployment
of fuel cell power products into commercial markets without requiring access
to hydrogen or other specialty fuel sources. This provides these markets
with the benefits of fuel cell technology, including improved efficiency,
nearly silent operation, lower weight and reduced environmental impact,
while allowing the use of current fueling infrastructures. Fuel cell systems
process fuels electrochemically rather than burning them, so they produce
fewer harmful emissions than internal combustion engines.
According to Richard Eikill, general
manager of consumer business, Cummins Power Generation, "Fuel cells have
significant potential to provide our customers with improved auxiliary
power performance. Protonex develops fuel cell technology that can operate
on diesel and other conventional fuels that are well supported in our target
markets, making them an ideal team member in this venture. Cummins is committed
to continuing to meet the needs of our customers by integrating evolving
technologies onto our power systems."
"We are very proud to have been chosen
by Cummins to supply our solid oxide fuel cell products for this program,"
said Scott Pearson, CEO, Protonex. "Teaming with a global power industry
leader on this development program will have a significant impact on our
SOFC commercialization program, and we hope this effort will open the door
to continued collaboration."
Notes to Editors
About Protonex Technology Corporation
www.protonex.com
Protonex Technology Corporation develops
and manufactures compact, lightweight and high- performance fuel cell systems
for portable power applications in the ten to 1000-watt range. The Company's
fuel cell systems are designed to meet the needs of military and original
equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers for off-grid applications underserved
by existing technologies by providing customisable, stand-alone portable
power solutions and systems that may be hybridized with existing power
technologies. The Company is based in Southborough, Massachusetts.
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