FuelCellsWorks

Hitting water with a 2 iron: A novel nanophotocathode for hydrogen production that is based on a multilayer array of InP quantum dots activated with a synthetic diiron catalyst, which is related to the subsite of FeFe hydrogenase.

Energy from Light and Water

Weinheim, Germany–Hydrogen-powered fuel cells and solar energy are the best hope for a more environmentally friendly and resource-sparing energy supply in the future. A combination of the two is considered to be particularly “clean”: the production of hydrogen by splitting water with sunlight. Previous approaches to this have suffered from high costs and the limited lifetime of their catalytic systems. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a team led by Thomas Nann and Christopher J. Pickett at the University of East Anglia (Norwich, UK) has now introduced an efficient, robust photoelectrode made of common, inexpensive materials.

The new system consists of a gold electrode that is covered with layers of indium phosphide (InP) nanoparticles. The researchers then introduce an iron-sulfur complex, [Fe2S2(CO)6], into the layered arrangement. When submerged in water and irradiated with light under a relatively small electric current, this photoelectrocatalytic system produces hydrogen with an efficiency of 60%. “This relatively high efficiency is a breakthrough,” says Nann.

The researchers have proposed the following mechanism for the reaction: The incoming light particles are absorbed by the InP nanocrystals and excite electrons within the InP. In this excited state, the electrons can be transferred to the iron-sulfur complexes. In a catalytic reaction, the iron-sulfur complexes then pass their electrons on to hydrogen ions (H+) in the surrounding water, which are then released in the form of hydrogen (H2). The gold electrode supplies the necessary electrons to replenish the InP nanocrystals.

In contrast to current processes, the new system works without organic molecules. These must be converted into an excited state to react, which causes them to degrade over time. This problem limits the lifetime of systems with organic components. The new system is purely inorganic and lasts correspondingly longer. “Our newly developed photocatalytic electrode system is robust, efficient, inexpensive, and free of toxic heavy metals,” according to Nann. “It may be a highly promising alternative for industrial hydrogen production.”

Author: Thomas Nann, University of East Anglia, Norwich (UK), www.uea.ac.uk/che/people/faculty/nannt

Title: Water Splitting by Visible Light: A Nanophotocathode for Hydrogen Production

Angewandte Chemie International Edition, Permalink: dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.200906262

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DANBURY, Conn. — FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL ), a leading manufacturer of high efficiency ultra-clean power plants using renewable and other fuels for commercial, industrial, government and utility customers, today announced the appointment of Chip Bottone as Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

His focus at FuelCell Energy is to accelerate profitable revenue growth by capitalizing on heightened demand by the world’s industrialized and emerging nations for clean, alternative forms of energy generation — a need well-matched by the company’s Direct FuelCell^® (DFC^®) power plants. He is also responsible for developing and implementing strategies to further expand the company’s market opportunities and growth potential.

Bottone’s qualifications include 25 years of experience at Ingersoll Rand Company, the diversified multi-national industrial concern where he held a series of roles culminating in President of the Energy Systems division. There he built a global alternative energy business providing distributed energy and environmental solutions for customers in the U.S., China and Europe. He also was a senior executive for the company’s Power Generation business and its Portable Power division, among others. During his tenure, he managed business activities with operations in the U.S., the United Kingdom, China, India, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Russia. Throughout his career at Ingersoll Rand, Bottone increased sales and profitability for his areas of responsibility.

“As an executive who brings senior strategic management skills, long-standing customer relationships and deep experience in the energy industry, Chip is ideal for leading our drive to grow the size and pace of our order pipeline,” said R. Daniel Brdar, Chairman and CEO of FuelCell Energy. “His record of executing innovative strategies and building businesses will be especially important in our efforts to develop and capture new markets. We’re delighted to have him aboard.”

Bottone earned his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and holds a Certificate of Professional Development from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

About FuelCell Energy

FuelCell Energy is the world leader in the development and production of stationary fuel cells for commercial, industrial, municipal and utility customers. FuelCell Energy’s ultra-clean and high efficiency DFC® fuel cells are generating power at over 55 locations worldwide. The company’s power plants have generated over 400 million kWh of power using a variety of fuels including renewable wastewater gas, biogas from beer and food processing, as well as natural gas and other hydrocarbon fuels. FuelCell Energy has partnerships with major power plant developers and power companies around the world. The company also receives funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and other government agencies for the development of leading edge technologies such as fuel cells. For more information please visit our website at www.fuelcellenergy.com.

February 12, 2010, 10 am – 11:30 am, Senate Dirksen Office Building, Room 628

As Zero Emission Vehicles approach commercialization, energy supply infrastructure needs to be built in tandem if large stranded asset costs are to be avoided.  Deploying hydrogen fuel cell, electric drive hybrid vehicles will require considerable investment in fueling equipment to realize their full potential to eliminate oil consumption and emissions, while creating many new jobs.  Devising solutions is a significant economic challenge.  The importance of these factors was anticipated in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009.  Various federal and state budgets since the mid-1990s have funded considerable research, development and demonstration.  Industry and governments have invested more than $8B in RD&D, and markets are within reach.

California and 14 other states are implementing plans to require ZEVs soon.  GM, Toyota, Honda, Daimler, Ford, Hyundai/KIA, and Nissan-Renault have all announced commercial rollouts.  This briefing will explore the relative costs and technical challenges facing energy supplies for light duty ZEVs, and look towards their extensive deployment as cost-effective solutions evolve.  There will be preliminary remarksfrom several Members of Congress.  We expect a lively discussion.

* Benefits, Costs and Infrastructure-Solving the Challenges: Dr. C.E. Thomas, Board of Directors, National Hydrogen Association

* Synchronizing Rollout of Vehicles and Infrastructure-the German Agreements: Sascha Simon, Advanced Product Planning Group, Mercedes-BenzUSA

* Transforming the U.S. Transportation Sector: Charles Freese, Executive Director of Fuel Cell Activities, General Motors

* Progress in Hydrogen Fueling: Michael McGowan, Head of Strategic Alliances, Alternative Energy Solutions, The Linde Group

Moderators will be Jerome Hinkle from the NHA and Robert Rose from the USFCC-

Please contact us for further information at (202) 223-5547 or visit www.hydrogenassociation.org.  RSVPs not needed.

Presentations from this event will be available on the NHA website at:  http://www.hydrogenassociation.org/policy/briefing_12feb10.asp

National Hydrogen Association

1211 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 600

Washington, DC 20036-2701 U.S.A

Phone:  202-223-5547

Fax: 202-223-5537

Email:hinklej@HydrogenAssociation.org

BOTHELL, Wash.– Neah Power Systems, Inc., (’Neah’) (OTCBB:NPWZ)   a leading developer of fuel cell-based renewable energy solutions, reported today that Neal Kaufman will assist management in the transition to revenue generation. Kaufman has extensive experience in leading roles in General Electric’s Internet subsidiary, and with 3Com Corporation. With this engagement, Neal Kaufman has joined the advisory committee of NPWZ.  Mr. Kaufman has significant experience working with large and small high-tech companies, leveraging advanced technologies to bring products to the market. He will work with Neah Power to accelerate the transition from research & development to commercializing products based on the company’s award-winning technology.

Dr. Chris D’Couto, Neah Power CEO, said that enhancing and expanding the management structure of the company is a key factor for the growth and success of the company. “We welcome Neal Kaufman to Neah. His leadership expertise with leading public companies is extremely valuable to Neah Power at this crucial moment of the company’s development and growth. Neah Power has made significant strides in technology and product development, and operating cost reduction, including continuous run time of more than 2,000 hours for our unique fuel cell. We are now taking orders for our patented, porous, silicon-based anaerobic fuel cells as stand alone products and in integrated consumer, military and industrial applications.”

Neal Kaufman commented, “Developing new forms of energy storage is crucial in the current economic and political environment. Neah Power has industry leading technology; over $40 million invested, development partners in the U.S. and India, and is developing and commercializing exciting products to capitalize on this business opportunity.”

Mr. Kaufman has provided support to organizations looking to expand and grow new clean technology efforts. Recently he was an investment banker, wholly focused on bringing capital to support new business efforts in this growing sector. Prior to that, he was the Chief Executive Officer of a publicly traded company focused on using recycled composite materials to replace existing chemically treated wood products. From 2001 to 2005 he worked at 3Com Corporation, where he was responsible for stackable switches and SMB products. Prior to that, he worked for NBC Internet, opening and running international offices. He began his career at McKinsey & Co., working in the U.S., Europe and South America. He has a BA in economics from Harvard College, an MA from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

For product enquiries, please contact products@neahpower.com

About Neah Power

Neah Power Systems, Inc. (NPWZ) is developing long lasting, efficient and safe power solutions for the military, industrial and consumer applications. Neah uses a unique, patented, silicon-based design for its micro fuel cells that enable higher power densities, lower cost and compact form-factors. The company’s micro fuel cell system can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes. The company is developing energy generation and storage solutions based on its patented technology.

Further company information can be found at www.neahpower.com.

VANCOUVER- – Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) announced that it has entered into a sale-and-leaseback agreement with Madison Pacific Properties Inc. (TSX: MPC) (www.madisonpacific.ca). Ballard will sell its head office building site in Burnaby, British Columbia in return for gross cash proceeds of approximately C$20.8 million (US$19.5 million). The company will also enter into an initial fifteen-year lease agreement for the same property. The transaction is expected to close on March 9, 2010.

Bruce Cousins, Ballard’s Chief Financial Officer, said, “This transaction presented an opportunity to extract cash from a non-core asset and further fortify our strong balance sheet, augmenting the company’s cash reserves to approximately $100 million. At the same time, Ballard’s continued use of the site is secured through a long-term lease arrangement.”

John Sheridan, Ballard’s President & CEO, added, “This transaction, along with the monetization of our Share Purchase Agreement and our progress in market development in 2009, has positioned Ballard for strong performance in 2010. We continue to expect revenue growth in excess of 35% and improved cash flow from operations by 30% in 2010, and positive EBITDA performance during 2011.”

About Ballard Power Systems

Ballard Power Systems (TSX: BLD; NASDAQ: BLDP) provides clean energy fuel cell products enabling optimized power systems for a range of applications. To learn more about Ballard, please visit www.ballard.com.