FuelCellsWorks

Lima, OH–Today, American Trim, Ohio State University and General Motors demonstrated, in real time, the actual production of a fuel cell bipolar plate before a group of collaborators and media at American Trim’s Research and Development Facility in Lima, Ohio. The production of the bipolar plate represents another success for the Lima, Ohio based company in demonstrating that it is putting the State’s Third Frontier Grant monies to productive use. This work supports the second Grant which assembles the plates into a functional fuel cell.

“This team has reached a significant milestone that could be a catalyst in bringing alternative fuel vehicles to the buying public. We have demonstrated the very real possibility that we can produce fuel cell bipolar plates for a fraction of what they currently cost. A fraction.” said Rick Pfeifer, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at American Trim. Mayor David Berger was on hand for the presentation and said “Rewards go to those who innovate and break thru despite economic restraints. What this team has accomplished is a big win for Northwest Ohio and Lima in particular as we build on our strategy of transforming manufacturing in the State.”

Also on hand for the event were:

* Dr. Glenn Daehn a Professor at OSU and recognized expert within the electromagnetic forming technologies.
* Dr. Mike Martin the VP of Fuel Cell Technology at EMTEC
* Pat Valente the Director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition

About High Velocity Metal Forming
High Velocity Metal Forming (HVMF) is a method of metal forming where the sheet metal to be formed is accelerated to 300 meters per second into a die, and thereby forms the part. It is an exciting breakthrough in metal forming technology which could add more precision to the metal forming process, increase processing speed and reduce cost in terms or equipment and processing.

About American Trim
American Trim was founded in 1951 and specializes in the forming, decorating, and coating of metal and composite substrates. These core competencies are supported and enhanced by American Trim’s Design, Research and Development activities ensuring the most advanced and cost effective solutions for its customer partners.

On April 28, 2099 the Flemish Minister of Industry, Enterprise, Research, Innovation and Trade, Patricia Ceyssens kicked off project that totals  € 14,1 mln. for three years to develop demonstration projects in the field of sustainable hydrogen production, poratble refuellibg stations, maritime and road transport vehicles and the use of waste hydrogen.

Belgian based companies like  Solvay, Umicore, Hydrogenics, Imec en VanHool are supporting the project.

According to the Flemish minister the active involvement of Belgian industry and SME’s convinced her to support the project that is partly finaced by the EU Interreg programme.

BRUNNTHAL/MUNICH, Germany–SFC Smart Fuel Cell, leading supplier of fuel cell products for mobile and off-grid power applications, has been named the winner of the 2009 Emerging Enterprise of the Year Award by Cleantech Group, an international company that promotes the development and commercialization of clean technologies.

According to Cleantech, the award is given to companies “that have demonstrated rapid growth and/or provided a high realized return to investors by bringing a truly disruptive clean technology or business model to the market.”

SFC, which has sold more than 13,000 of its direct methanol fuel cells for leisure, industrial and defense applications, is one of only two companies that received awards at Cleantech Forum XXII, April 28-30, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

At the forum, which is an annual gathering of executives of clean-technology companies and clean-tech investors and experts, Dr. Peter Podesser, SFC’s chief executive officer, described SFC’s rise to leadership in the fuel-cell market and provided a look ahead for the clean-tech industry.

“Our EFOY fuel cells have dramatically improved the power-supply options in the leisure and industrial markets by providing clean, quiet and reliable off-grid electricity, and our solutions for defense organizations, such as the JENNY fuel cell, have significantly reduced the weight load soldiers in the field carry while providing them with 100 percent reliable power,” said Dr. Podesser. “Receiving this Emerging Enterprise of the Year Award from Cleantech Group sends a strong message about both the growing markets for alternative energy sources and SFC’s leadership in the fuel cell industry.”

Richard Youngman, managing director of Cleantech Group/Europe, said the Emerging Enterprise of the Year Award also recognizes SFC’s achievement as the fastest-growing clean technology company in the Deloitte Technology 2008 Fast 500 EMEA listing. The program recognizes technology companies that have achieved the fastest rates of annual revenue growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa during the previous five years. SFC also ranked third in Deloitte’s Fast 50 for 2008, recognizing outstanding business achievements by German technology companies. Deloitte is a top supporting organization of Cleantech Group.

The Cleantech Emerging Enterprise of the Year Award is the sixth major international award or official recognition that SFC has received in the past year.
The Cleantech Group pioneered clean technology as an investment category in 2002. Today, it accelerates the development and market adoption of clean technologies. Its clients represent more than $3 trillion in assets.

About SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG
SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG is market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets.  As one of Germany’s technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards.  SFC has alliances with leading companies in a wide range of industries.  Unlike most other fuel cell manufacturers, who are in the research and development phase or run subsidized demonstration projects, SFC has shipped more than 13,000 fully commercial products to industrial and private end users for more than four years, and has created a convenient fuel cartridge supply infrastructure. SFC is DIN ISO 9001:2000 certified. SFC is based in Brunnthal, Germany, and has a U.S. sales and technical service office in Atlanta.

Columbus–Governor Ted Strickland and Mark Barbash, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development and Chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, today announced a $1 million grant for the advancement of fuel cell research and production in Ohio. The grant was awarded through the Ohio Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program and is contingent upon State Controlling Board approval.

“This award demonstrates Ohio’s continued commitment to fuel cell development and support for the growth of the industry in our state,” Barbash said. “The technological advances achieved in the fuel cell industry in Ohio are a testament to our innovative workforce, our welcoming business environment, and our efforts to remain at the forefront of the expanding renewable energy sector by attracting the companies that constitute a highly competitive supply chain.”

2009 Ohio Third Frontier Fuel Cell Award for Advanced Research,Development, and Commercialization

Crown Equipment, located in New Bremen (Auglaize County), was awarded $1 million for its Development of an Integrated Fuel Cell Forklift Truck project. The project will investigate, model, and create a running prototype of an integrated fuel cell powered-lift truck. The integration of the fuel cell into the truck design allows improved power efficiency and design flexibility that opens material handling opportunities and applications not possible with the power pack design. Specific project tasks include a system modeling effort that involves support from Ohio Northern University, identification of and partnering with fuel cell and balance-of-plant (BOP) suppliers, bench-top model construction and baseline testing and defined specifications for the creation of a prototype truck. Edison Materials Technology Center (EMTEC) will assist Crown with Ohio supply chain development and NexTech will work with Crown to incorporate its hydrogen sensor technology into the integrated truck design.

Ohio Third Frontieris committed to expanding Ohio’s technological strengths and promoting commercialization that leads to economic prosperity throughout Ohio. Designed to build world-class research programs, nurture early- stage companies, and foster technology development that make existing industries more productive, Ohio Third Frontier creates opportunity through innovation.

Created in 2002, the Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative aims to spur job creation in Ohio while positioning the state as a national leader in the growing fuel cell industry.

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO–Hydrogenics Corporation (TSX:HYG)(NASDAQ:HYGS), a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, today announced the installation of two HySTATTM electrolyzers in Europe for fueling station applications. In conjunction with Heliocentris Fuel Cells AG, a German fuel cell systems integrator, Hydrogenics has installed a hydrogen-generating electrolyzer at a bus fueling station in Barth, Germany and, separately, the Company has also installed, with Schwelm of Germany, an electrolyzer in Dunkirk, France for a similar hydrogen fueling application.

In Barth, the Hydrogenics electrolyzer will be incorporated within a solar-assisted gas generation system, providing a zero-emission fueling solution for a bus also powered by Hydrogenics’ fuel cells – integrated by Heliocentris within a full electric hybrid powertrain. While producing clean, renewable fuel, the gas generation system will simultaneously provide oxygen to increase the efficiency of a municipal water treatment facility, saving capital costs for an otherwise necessary extension of treatment capacity.

The Dunkirk fueling station is already operational, with buses running on a blend of hydrogen and natural gas. Dunkirk is the first city in France to have a public hydrogen station.

“Europe continues to be a leader in using hydrogen as a renewable energy resource, and we believe these stations are just the start of numerous applications that will be implemented throughout the region,” said Daryl Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As Hydrogenics builds its presence in this important transportation sector, we are becoming recognized as a reliable technology provider of the key building blocks for advanced, clean energy fueling stations that will take on added significance in the years to come.”

About Hydrogenics

Hydrogenics Corporation (www.hydrogenics.com) is a globally recognized developer and provider of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets of today and tomorrow. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America and Europe.

Governor Schwarzenegger viewed the Honda FCX Clarity at the Capitol.

The Honda FCX Clarity is the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle built from the platform up and was researched, designed and co-developed by engineering teams in Tochigi, Japan and Torrance, California.

ALGONA, Iowa–Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. (HEC) (OTCBB: HYEG.OB) announced today that it will be involved in an $11 million (CAD) hydrogen energy technology demonstration project at Montreal’s Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport. The airport project is focused on testing and demonstrating hydrogen technologies and fueling infrastructures. Numerous hydrogen usages will be tested within the project, including but not limited to, passenger transportation, cargo handling, various power sources as well as hydrogen “filling” technologies. A main goal of the project is to demonstrate how hydrogen can be integrated into existing environments safely and effectively.

Ted Hollinger, HEC’s founder and Jan Rowinski, HEC Canada’s Board Chairman were in Montreal for the announcement of this project and are pleased that HEC Canada will be responsible for providing and installing up to ten (10) hydrogen-fueled 4.9L internal combustion engines for installation in existing airport luggage tractors. This is a multi-million dollar agreement for which HEC will provide goods and services valued at $1,151,898 CAD. Participation in the project involves an in-kind contribution from HEC in the amount of $575,949 CAD. Ted Hollinger elaborated on the importance of HEC’s involvement in the project. “This project has been a long time coming. We are thrilled to be a part of the solution to convert existing airports into a cleaner, greener environment. Our participation in this Hydrogen Demonstration Project will allow the entire world traveling through this airport to witness a sampling of the carbon-free power solutions HEC designs and manufactures.”

The Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec are major partners in the project along with Air Liquide who is participating in the project and acting as the Projects Manager. HEC plans to work directly with Air Liquide on all aspects of the hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines.

Jan Rowinski stated that, “By working with elite companies such as Air Liquide, we are able to position ourselves as a prime mover. This shows the world we’re ready, willing and able to immediately deliver hydrogen-fueled engines and power solutions on a global scale.”

About Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc.

Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc. (HEC) develops systems and processes used in the design, manufacture and distribution of alternative fuel internal combustion engines, engine controls and power generator systems. These technologies are for use by customers and partners in the industrial and power generation markets. These solutions and the engines using them are designed to run on hydrogen, ethanol, methanol, ammonia and traditional fuels. Engines and engine products are sold under the brand name Oxx Power®. HEC trades on the Bulletin Board under the symbol “HYEG.OB.” Principal offices are located at 2502 E Poplar St., Algona, Iowa 50511. Visit or in the US dial 515-295-3178 for more information.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has extended the closing date for the hydrogen sensor Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to May 14. This FOA is for developing low-cost sensor technologies that can be directly integrated with hydrogen systems and are resistant to contaminants. The sensor must detect/measure hydrogen in situ. For each sensor project, an applicant must explain how a proposed technology will exceed the current state of the art. The goal is to develop a sensing technology to determine the presence of hydrogen before it reaches a flammable mixture. Sensors should be suitable for at least one of the following applications: stationary systems, portable devices, transportation, or infrastructure.

The purpose of this amendment is to:

• Allow applications to be submitted through FedConnect. However, if you have already submitted an application in Grants.gov, you do not need to resubmit to FedConnect. Submit your application to only one of these sites. (Note: Grants.gov FOA Number DE-PS36-09GO99004 can be found in FedConnect as FOA Number DE-FOA-0000083.)
• Extend the closing date to May 14, 2009.
• Clarify federal laboratory and other federal agency eligibility.

The technical scope of the announcement remains unchanged.

Two new resin systems from Huntsman Advanced Materials meeting the most stringent requirements for graphite composite fuel cells for large scale production of automotive and stationary power applications have won the JEC Innovation Award for raw materials.

Philippe Christou, Technology Director EMEIA Huntsman Advanced Materials said: “Every major automotive, stationary power and back-up power manufacturer in the world is considering how best to utilise fuel cell technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the reliance on fossil fuels, making the fuel cell component market a potential boom market.  Working with our partners this is a technology breakthrough that represents major long term opportunities.”

Since the conversion of fuel to energy takes place via an electrochemical process, the process is much cleaner, quieter and up to three times more efficient than burning fuel. The fuel cell’s bipolar plates have superior corrosion resistance, lower contact resistance, higher thermal conductivity and a longer operating life at higher temperatures.

For the automotive sector Huntsman Advanced Materials has developed a benzoxazine resin suitable for high temperature PEM fuel cells.

The resin which operates at a continuous temperature of 120?C has a phenolic-like backbone which gives it very good flame retardant properties together with excellent glass transition temperatures and mechanical properties.  In particular there is a very high modulus, low water absorption and near zero shrinkage as well as good electrical properties.

For stationary power and back-up power applications, a bismaleimide resin  has been developed for fuel cells operating at temperatures of up to 180?C in concentrated phosphoric acid.  The resin is flame resistant and provides the fuel cells with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, a low ionic content and can be applied in continuous high volume manufacturing processes using conventional prepregging techniques.

The resins have been developed in conjunction with GrafTech International Holdings Inc. and forms part of a US Department of Energy sponsored programme.  The cells have already undergone extensive testing and are expected to be available commercially in late 2009 / early 2010.

• Sales down 37.6% due to tough economic climate but within expectations
• Additional cost reduction measures initiated – Order placed by Volkswagen AG in March for the supply of auxiliary power units to special purpose vehicles marks successful launch in a new market

Brunnthal–SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG, technology and market leader for mobile and off-grid power solutions based on fuel cells, realized sales of EUR2,873k in the first quarter of 2009, a drop of 37.6% compared with the same period a year ago (Q1/08: EUR4,606k). This decrease in sales is mainly attributable to the difficult economic conditions, especially in the volume market leisure. Substantial delays in capital outlay decisions in the industrial market and the postponement of orders under joint development agreements (JDAs) with defense programmes also took their toll. The share of product sales in total sales increased from 75.3% in Q1/08 to 84.5% in the period under review.

EBIT fell to minus EUR1,175k in Q1/09 in the wake of the declining sales (Q1/08: minus EUR411k). Gross margin for Q1/09 decreased only slightly to 18.5% despite the substantially weaker sales volume (Q1/08: 18.9%). The company’s continuing efforts to systematically reduce production costs of its EFOY fuel cells and keep a tight rein on expenses helped prevent any further loss of gross margin. Net profit receded to minus EUR874k (Q1/08: EUR147k).

Cash and cash equivalents stood at EUR42,470k as of March 31, 2009 (December 31, 2008: EUR45,568k).

EFOY unit sales totalled 1,121 in the first quarter of 2009 (Q1/08: 1,783), a 37.1% drop mainly impacted by the economic crisis in the leisure sector. Customers in the market for off-grid industrial applications continue to push back decisions on capital spending projects. Despite the company’s progress tapping this market with its new EFOY Pro Series product line and a host of pilot projects, the performance in the industrial market was not sufficient to compensate for the steep decline suffered in the leisure market. A number of projects in the defense market were delayed, which eroded sales under joint development agreements (JDAs).

SFC made an impressive debut in the field of auxiliary power units for special purpose vehicles, a new market for the company, with an order from Volkswagen AG for over 200 EFOY fuel cell systems. As the number of electronic and electrical devices used without the availability of a power outlet grows in these vehicles, the dependable electricity offered by the EFOY fuel cell offers customers a compelling advantage with a level of convenience, environmental soundness and uncompromised reliability that is unmatched by any other technology currently available in the market.

For the 2009 business year the Management Board continues to aim for growth in the industry markets. An important strategic goal is to broaden SFC’s sales basis in order to make the company less dependent upon the distinctive seasonal and economic fluctuations of the leisure market. Minimized stock holding at leisure retailers, as well as continued postponement of joint development orders in defense, bear a considerable risk that SFC will not achieve sales growth in 2009 compared to the year before. The Management Board has therefore created an extensive cost reduction program, the immediate implementation of which shall contribute to stabilizing the operating result (EBIT) on the 2008 level.

The quarterly report of SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG is available for download at www.sfc.com.

About SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG

SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG (www.sfc.com) is market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. As one of Germany’s technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards. SFC has alliances with leading companies in a wide range of industries. Unlike most other fuel cell manufacturers, who are in the research and development phase or run subsidized demonstration projects, SFC has shipped more than 13,000 fully commercial products to industrial and private end users for more than four years, and has created a convenient fuel cartridge supply infrastructure. SFC is DIN ISO 9001:2000 certified. SFC is based in Brunnthal, Germany, and has a U.S. sales and technical service office in Atlanta.

Billerica, MA–Nuvera Fuel Cells announced they have received an award from the Department of Energy (DOE) to accelerate market penetration of fuel cells in the material handling industry. The award includes the deployment of a fleet of fuel cell forklifts and the installation of Nuvera’s PowerTap Hydrogen Generator and Hydrogen Station.

DOE Secretary Steven Chu announced the award as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) on Wednesday, stating, “the investments we’re making today will help us build a robust fuel cell manufacturing industry in the United States. Developing and deploying the next generation of fuel cells will not only create jobs – it will help our businesses become more energy efficient and productive. We are laying the foundation for a green energy economy.”

PowerTap is a Hydrogen Generator and Hydrogen Station that provides industrial customers with a cost effective source of hydrogen. The Hydrogen Generator utilizes steam reformation to produce hydrogen on site, eliminating transportation costs. The Hydrogen Station provides fast and easy refueling that operators can do themselves. PowerTap produces hydrogen at a total cost of $6/kg, based on average national utility rates, including federal incentives and all capital, operation, and maintenance costs.

Nuvera Fuel Cells is a global leader in the development of fuel cell systems and fuel processors for both end users and OEMs. With offices located in the U.S. and Europe, Nuvera provides clean, safe, and efficient products for industrial vehicles and equipment in addition to furthering the development of power systems for automotive and transportation applications.

• Retracing the first long-distance journey in automobile history
• Chemist´s shop in Wiesloch as aiming point

The F-CELL Roadster built by apprentices at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen covered a section of the historic route taken by Bertha Benz on the past weekend. Starting in Mannheim, the fuel cell powered car was driven via Ladenburg and Heidelberg. The symbolic passing of the finish line was at the chemist’s shop in Wiesloch, where Bertha Benz stopped to refuel during the first long-distance journey in automobile history in 1888.

“This trip by the F-CELL Roadster is symbolic of the current change taking place in automobile engineering”, says Dr. Thomas Weber, the member of the Daimler AG Executive Board responsible for corporate research and development at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “At that time Bertha Benz was not yet able to purchase the petrol she needed at a filling station, and for emission-free mobility we are also dependent on the widespread distribution of fuels for the future – electric power and hydrogen. But just as Bertha Benz refused to be discouraged by inconveniences in her day, we are just as determined to help ensure that these technologies achieve their breakthrough.”

Before the end of this year, the company will commence small-series production of the B-Class with a fuel cell drive system. At the end of 2009 the first examples of the smart fortwo electric drive model will also leave the production line to enter service in the “e-mobility Berlin” project early next year.

The F-CELL Roadster
For around one year, more than 150 apprentices and sandwich course students worked on the design, development, assembly and completion of the F- CELL Roadster. The work also involved promising young personnel from the fields of vehicle mechatronics, model-building, electronics, coating technology and production mechanics, as well as product design and interior equipment. The main aim of the project was to integrate the topic of alternative drive systems into the training content in a practical manner.

In a unique way, the vehicle links the very latest technologies with the history of automobile engineering. As a feature reminiscent of the Benz Patent Motor Wagon of 1886, the car is equipped with large, spoked wheels. The F-CELL Roadster also has styling features from a wide range of automotive eras. These include carbon-fibre seat bases with hand-stitched leather upholstery and a striking glass-fibre front end that takes its lead from Formula 1 racing cars.

The car is steered using drive-by-wire technology, a conventional steering wheel giving way to a joystick. It is powered by an emission-free fuel cell system installed in the rear. With an output of 1.2 kW, the F-CELL Roadster is capable of a top speed of 25 km/h with an operating range of up to 350 km.

First long-distance journey in automobile history
In August 1888, Bertha Benz and her two sons made a journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim in the Patent Motor Wagon designed by her husband Carl Benz, returning to Mannheim a few days later. This first long-distance journey in the history of the automobile is acknowledged as a pioneering event. The journey was practically problem-free, with just a few small technical hitches that could all be remedied. The supply of “Ligroin”, as petrol was called at the time, gave cause for concern, however, as the 4.5-litre supply in the carburettor – there was no petrol tank as yet – was rapidly dwindling. Ligroin could be purchased from pharmacies in those days, and the town pharmacy in Wiesloch was able to help out. The shop still exists today, and is proud to inform visitors that it was the world’s first filling station.

ENEOS CELLTECH announced that it has completed a plant for mass-producing ENE-FARM fuel cell co-generation systems for home use.

The new plant will be built in the Gunma Factory site of Sanyo Electric.

Production has already started using a partial area of the plant. It will be capable of producing 10,000 units per year by 2010 and will ramp up to 40,000 units per year by 2015.

The company estimates that it will be able to produce approximately 150,000 units from 2009 to 2015.

The co-generation system offers the superb functionality of fuel cells in a compact and easy to use form, and can even provide you with hot water from the heat it generates producing power.This amazing energy system is the ENE-FARM household-use fuel cell co-generation system.

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO–Hydrogenics Corporation (Toronto:HYG.TO)(NasdaqGM:HYGS), a leading developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, today announced that it has sold another HyPM HD fuel cell power module as part of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) National Fuel Cell Bus Program (NFCBP). Serving a project under the Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium, Hydrogenics was selected by being able to offer a flexible and cost competitive module with a proven track record.

“We are very pleased to announce this additional order within the FTA’s National Fuel Cell Bus Program,” said Daryl Wilson, President and CEO. “This is our third project under the auspices of the NFCBP, and we are now tied with the most projects awarded among the various fuel cell providers. Moreover, we are the only company with awards that serve all three regions – the Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium, serving the Northeast United States, the Center for Transportation and the Environment, serving the Southeast, and Weststart-Calstart, serving the West Coast. Approximately 4,500 full-size transit buses are sold annually in the United States, and Hydrogenics is dedicated to becoming a leading provider of zero emission, domestically fueled power solutions for this important target market.”

Earlier this month, Hydrogenics showcased its fuel cells at the NHA Conference & Hydrogen Expo in Columbia, South Carolina as part of the Proterra EcoRide zero emissions transit bus. The Proterra bus, which will serve the Southeast region of the NFCBP, utilizes two Hydrogenics fuel cell modules, as previously announced. At the NHA show, hundreds of participants viewed the Proterra bus – the first and only bus so far that has been built under the auspices of the NFCBP. Photos of this innovative vehicle can be viewed at the Hydrogenics website under “Projects.”

“The NHA Conference was truly a success in showcasing our buses and our partnership with Hydrogenics,” said Dale Hill, Chairman, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Proterra. “We received a great deal of media attention, and the fuel cells have been running perfectly since being put into service earlier this year. In addition, testing at Altoona validated fuel economy in excess of 10 miles per gallon – double the efficiency of typical diesel buses. We will continue exhibiting across the Southeast and look forward to having more buses commissioned, with Hydrogenics fuel cells, later this year.”

About Hydrogenics

Hydrogenics Corporation (www.hydrogenics.com) is a globally recognized developer and provider of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products and services, serving the growing industrial and clean energy markets of today and tomorrow. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Hydrogenics has operations in North America and Europe.

Recent purchases and orders for fuel cell-powered forklifts are providing a significant boost to the industry, while providing economic and environmental benefits to customers.

Washington, DC–Recent purchases and commitments from big-name corporations and the U.S. government for fuel cell-powered forklifts are providing a major lift to the industry. Fuel Cells 2000 estimates that there are approximately 500 systems currently in operation around the world, with at least 500 orders coming down the pike.

“We’ve seen large purchases of fuel cell forklifts from companies around the U.S., and substantial interest offshore” said Jennifer Gangi, Program Director of Fuel Cells 2000, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. “Customers are finding that fuel cells provide savings on several fronts – economic, environmental and workforce productivity. In other words, customers can save money by converting to fuel cells.”

A recent study by Argonne National Laboratory estimates that fuel cell lift trucks produce 63% less greenhouse gas emissions than battery systems, but that’s not the only savings. Batteries are heavy and take up a lot of storage space while only providing up to 6 hours of run time. Fuel cells last more than twice as long (12-14 hours) and there is no more need for battery storage and changing rooms, leaving more warehouse space for products. The greatly reduced fueling times – one or two minutes by the forklift operator compared to 20-30 minutes or more for each refill also saves valuable time.

Central Grocers, a 200-store Chicago-area chain, recently purchased 220 fuel cell forklifts for its new warehouse in Joliet, IL, opening later in 2009. Central estimates it will save $1.5 million over 10 years by going fuel cell. Other companies already using the technology include Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware, Bridgestone/Firestone, Federal Express and the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency, which happens to be the second largest warehouse operation in the United States.

The Department of Energy recently announced $41.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding that will help support the immediate deployment of fuel cell forklifts around the country. Companies that have already received funding for more than 200 forklifts include Anheuser-Busch, Sysco, GENCO, and East Penn Manufacturing.***

There is also a federal tax credit to make the transition more attractive – $3,000 per kilowatt tax credit for purchase of the fuel cell, and a 30% credit for the cost of installing hydrogen infrastructure, up to $200,000.

Caesarea, Israel–Emefcy today announced that it has been chosen by The Artemis Project™  as a Top 50 Water Companies Competition winner.  This award distinguishes Emefcy as a leading company that is helping to build one of the great high-growth industries of the 21st Century.  Emefcy was selected by a panel of industry experts based on an integrated matrix of four criteria: technology, intellectual property and know-how, team and market potential.

“The Artemis Project’s Top 50 Water Companies Competition winners have excelled in key strategic areas in the emerging advanced water technology sector,” said Laura Shenkar, Principal of The Artemis Project.  “We are excited to spotlight these innovative companies for the first time on the world’s stage and congratulate them for their achievements in introducing the solutions that will reinvent the water landscape.”

“We are proud to be selected as one of the top five winners of the Artemis Project’s Top 50 Water Companies Competition” said Eytan Levy, Emefcy’s co-founder and CEO. “It verifies our belief that our mission of applying a profitable, innovative new source of energy is on the right path,” says Levy.

About Emefcy

Emefcy is the developer of the MEGAWATTER™ platform, a bio-electro-chemical process for electricity and hydrogen production using wastewater as a fuel. This technology addresses an enormous market of industrial wastewater treatment plants in which anaerobic treatment is not applicable, thus expensive-to-operate aerobic treatment is applied. Emefcy currently runs several prototypes and plans to commence field piloting in Q3/2009.

For more details, please visit the company’s web site at www.emefcy.com

About The Artemis Project

Established in 2000, The Artemis Project is a boutique consulting practice that brings unique capabilities to 21st century water management, combining an understanding of the most advanced solutions with an international network of developers, investors and users of advanced water technology.  As the leading authority on applying advanced water solutions to business operations, The Artemis Project specializes in developing holistic water management strategies for major corporations.  The Artemis Project also supports product launches of advanced water technology into business operations worldwide. The Artemis Project actively participates in water industry events and supports environmental policy initiatives.

More information is available at http://www.theartemisproject.com/.

A research team from Northeastern University and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has discovered, serendipitously, that a residue of a process used to build arrays of titania nanotubes—a residue that wasn’t even noticed before this—plays an important role in improving the performance of the nanotubes in solar cells that produce hydrogen gas from water. Their recently published results* indicate that by controlling the deposition of potassium on the surface of the nanotubes, engineers can achieve significant energy savings in a promising new alternate energy system.

Titania (or titanium dioxide) is a versatile chemical compound best known as a white pigment. It’s found in everything from paint to toothpastes and sunscreen lotions. Thirty-five years ago Akira Fujishima startled the electrochemical world by demonstrating that it also functioned as a photocatalyst, producing hydrogen gas from water, electricity and sunlight. In recent years, researchers have been exploring different ways to optimize the process and create a commercially viable technology that, essentially, transforms cheap sunlight into hydrogen, a pollution-free fuel that can be stored and shipped.

Increasing the available surface area is one way to boost a catalyst’s performance, so a team at Northeastern has been studying techniques to build tightly packed arrays of titania nanotubes, which have a very high surface to volume ratio. They also were interested in how best to incorporate carbon into the nanotubes, because carbon helps titania absorb light in the visible spectrum. (Pure titania absorbs in the ultraviolet region, and much of the ultraviolet is filtered by the atmosphere.)

This brought them to the NIST X-ray spectroscopy beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS)**. The NIST facility uses X-rays that can be precisely tuned to measure chemical bonds of specific elements, and is at least 10 times more sensitive than commonly available laboratory instruments, allowing researchers to detect elements at extremely low concentrations. While making measurements of the carbon atoms, the team noticed spectroscopic data indicating that the titania nanotubes had small amounts of potassium ions strongly bound to the surface, evidently left by the fabrication process, which used potassium salts. This was the first time the potassium has ever been observed on titania nanotubes; previous measurements were not sensitive enough to detect it.

The result was mildly interesting, but became much more so when the research team compared the performance of the potassium-bearing nanotubes to similar arrays deliberately prepared without potassium. The former required only about one-third the electrical energy to produce the same amount of hydrogen as an equivalent array of potassium-free nanotubes. “The result was so exciting,” recalls Northeastern physicist Latika Menon, “that we got sidetracked from the carbon research.” Because it has such a strong effect at nearly undetectable concentrations, Menon says, potassium probably has played an unrecognized role in many experimental water-splitting cells that use titania nanotubes, because potassium hydroxide is commonly used in the cells. By controlling it, she says, hydrogen solar cell designers could use it to optimize performance.

* C. Richter, C. Jaye, E. Panaitescu, D.A. Fischer, L.H. Lewis, R.J. Willey and L. Menon. Effect of potassium adsorption on the photochemical properties of titania nanotube arrays. J. Mater. Chem., published online as an Advanced Article, March 27, 2009. DOI: 10.1039/b822501j

** The NSLS is part of the Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Rell Administration Develops Broad-based Plan, For $38.5 Million in Stimulus Energy Funds

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has developed a comprehensive energy plan that uses $38.5 million in federal stimulus funds to expand fuel cell initiatives, improve energy efficiency of state buildings and provide incentives to homeowners and businesses for alternative energy technologies to reduce energy costs.

“I am extremely proud of this plan, which strengthens the ‘green’ foundation we have established in Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “The jobs that will be created are in the industries and technologies that will shape our future – alternative and renewable energy. The emerging industries call for exactly what Connecticut can offer – a highly skilled work force and one of the most productive in the nation.”

The Governor said the state must submit its plan to the U.S. Department of Energy by May 12 to complete its application to qualify for the funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The plan has been submitted to the General Assembly in accordance with a recent state law that allows for an informational hearing before the Legislature’s Appropriations and Energy and Technology committees.

The Governor said $19 million of the stimulus funds will be dedicated to expanding fuel cell initiatives and support emerging technologies for geothermal, solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems through the Clean Energy Fund.

“We have a tremendous opportunity before us to harness the potential of exciting, innovative technologies like geothermal and solar energy,” Governor Rell said. “We are also very well positioned to take advantage of the growing global demands for fuel cell technology. Connecticut has been on the leading edge of this industry for decades.”

The global market for fuel cells continues to develop. According to a 2008 Department of Economic and Community Development report compiled by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, the industry could generate up to $140 billion a year once fully mature. Connecticut’s fuel cell hydrogen industry has the potential to generate between $14 billion and $54 billion a year if it captures a significant share of the transportation market, the report said.

The state energy plan also dedicates $17.5 million of stimulus funds to energy efficiency and conservation programs and $1 million for training and administrative support. It is anticipated the plan will carry energy savings of 10 million BTU for every $1,000 spent.

The following is the funding breakdown

• $8 million will be dedicated to expanding current fuel cell initiatives with a goal of completing 14 more projects
• $5 million for a new program that will offer rebates for residential and commercial geothermal systems with a goal of 600 installations
• $4 million for rebates for residential and commercial solar thermal systems with a goal of 1,000 installations
• $3 million to expand the Clean Energy Fund’s solar photovoltaic programs for homes and businesses with a goal of 300 more projects
• $6.25 million for private and municipal utilities (Connecticut Light & Power, United Illuminating and Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative) to expend programs that provide ratepayers with energy audits and low cost efficiency technologies
• $2.86 million to CL&P and UI to expand conservation and efficiency programs for small businesses
• $3.35 million to CL&P, UI and CMEEC to expand conservation and efficiency programs for large commercial customers$5 million for energy efficiency improvements in state buildings
• $550,000 for training and certification of building operators and inspectors to comply with new building code energy components
• $200,000 for administrative support to four Connecticut Clean Cities coalition (Greater New Haven, Southwestern Connecticut, Norwich and Capitol Clean Cities Coalition)
• $292,000 for administrative support for the Office of Policy and Management to administer the state energy plan and energy block grants to municipalities

“Connecticut is meeting our economic challenges head on with a focus on our future,” Governor Rell said. “Color our blueprint ‘green’ for building a strong and sustaining economy. This plan will help get us there.”