Neah launches commercial units, wins more funding

Neah launches commercial units, wins more funding

NEWS In parallel with the integrated mCHP product, CFCL has developed the modular BlueGen™ product. BlueGen uses the Gennex module to generate power a...

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NEWS In parallel with the integrated mCHP product, CFCL has developed the modular BlueGen™ product. BlueGen uses the Gennex module to generate power and heat for hot water, so is ideal for customers and markets that do not need space heating. During the quarter CFCL received its first orders for BlueGen units. The VicUrban sustainable urban development agency is installing three units at housing development sites in Melbourne; the first unit was installed before Christmas at VicUrban’s Aurora development [FCB, January 2010]. And another leading energy retailer, Energy Australia, has ordered a BlueGen unit for a showcase sustainability house in the Sydney suburb of Newington, with delivery expected by the end of March. In the fall CFCL also received an order from Paloma in Japan for a BlueGen unit [FCB, December 2009]. This unit will be installed in Paloma’s warehouse and sales office in Sapporo, Japan by the end of March. Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd, Noble Park, Victoria, Australia. Tel: +61 3 9554 2300, www.cfcl.com.au

Fuel cells could create 700 000 jobs by 2020

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p to 700 000 ‘green’ manufacturing jobs could be created in the global fuel cell industry over the next decade, according to the latest Industry Review, Fuel Cells: Sustainability from the analysts at Fuel Cell Today. The Review was launched at the recent World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. The 2010 Review conservatively estimates that the fuel cell manufacturing sector will see the largest growth in jobs in the next 10 years, with almost 700 000 cumulative jobs created in this time. In line with Fuel Cell Today’s projections of unit shipments over this period, this could see the creation of more than 1 million new jobs in total when installation, servicing, and maintenance are included. The new Industry Review emphasizes the geographical variations in job creation. The projections show that over the next decade Asia will dominate in terms of manufacturing jobs. The key adopter regions – including Europe and North America – will be where installation and maintenance jobs are mainly to be found. Fuel Cells: Sustainability highlights a number of implications for businesses and policymakers concerning wealth and job creation. It also raises a number of issues for the fuel cell industry itself which, if not addressed, could be a barrier to fuel cell adoption, including education, skills and training, and supply chain development.

Fuel Cell Today: www.fuelcelltoday.com

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Fuel Cells Bulletin

IdaTech reports on 2009, wins new contract

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regon-based backup power developer IdaTech has issued a trading update for 2009. The company sold a total of 445 fuel cell systems during 2009, more than five times the number of units sold in 2008. The company also achieved revenues of $6.6 million, a 12% increase on 2008. IdaTech also received an order for 108 systems at the end of 2009, for delivery and deployment in the first quarter of 2010. Revenue from product sales almost doubled, rising from $2.4m to $4.5m. Compared with 2008, the sales mix was more heavily skewed towards direct hydrogen systems, which have lower selling prices than systems with fuel reformers, says IdaTech. This was a result of two factors: the economic downturn, resulting in IdaTech’s customers utilizing certain government subsidies which currently favor direct hydrogen fueled systems; and the sale of 300 ElectraGen™ H2-I systems to the Indian telecoms supplier ACME TelePower. IdaTech recently renegotiated its supply contract with ACME TelePower, to secure more favorable pricing and product launch timing [FCB, December 2009]. IdaTech also completed two development contracts during 2009. The most significant related to the advanced development of its proprietary metal membrane hydrogen purification technology, Hypurium™, for large-scale industrial applications. Meanwhile, at the end of 2009 IdaTech received an order for 108 systems, for delivery and deployment in the first quarter of 2010. This positions IdaTech for 2010 with a backlog of nearly onequarter of the 2010 full-year market expectations. IdaTech’s portfolio of certified fuel cell products are based on its fuel processing, purification, and fuel cell system integration capabilities. With the support of strategic partners and customers, the company’s extended-run backup power products are being deployed worldwide for stationary applications. IdaTech LLC, Bend, Oregon, USA. Tel: +1 541 383 3390, www.idatech.com

Neah launches commercial units, wins more funding

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S-based Neah Power Systems is taking orders for its Infinity eL™

series of fuel cells, which are now available as stand-alone products and as integrated solutions. Neah has also reached agreements separately with Ebeling Heffernan (EF), a public markets consultancy in Thailand, and with First Equity Trust to purchase up to $10 million of Neah Power’s common stock. Neah Power’s Infinity eL series of fuel cells is available in 25, 50, 75 and 100 W sizes, and will provide 12 Vdc output, which can also be tailored for specific applications. The instant recharge capability is based on swapping out cartridges, with 400 Wh of energy per fuel cartridge. Neah Power is looking towards an AMEX listing in New York as it begins to take fuel cell orders. The Neah Power stock purchases in the agreements with Ebeling Heffernan and First Equity must be made between January 26, 2010 and January 25, 2011, with a firm commitment of a minimum of $500 000 at a $1.00 per share (restricted stock) by January 26, 2010. Neah Power has also received a total of $200 000 from the investors, at a valuation of $1.00 per share in restricted stock. In October Ebeling Heffernan sponsored Neah Power’s introduction to the Asian market, with a presentation to energy producers and government agencies from Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, China and Japan. Neah Power Systems uses a unique, patented, silicon-based design for its micro fuel cells that enables higher power densities, lower cost, and compact form-factors. The company’s micro fuel cell system can run in aerobic and anaerobic modes. Neah Power Systems Inc, Bothell, Washington, USA. Tel: +1 425 424 3324, www.neahpower.com

VAIREX wins large order, receives operating loan

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olorado-based VAIREX has accepted an order for 350 fuel cell air management systems, from a US-based fuel cell manufacturer. The company, which is operating under Chapter 11 of the US Federal Bankruptcy code, has also announced the receipt of a ‘debtor in possession’ loan, to help fund its ongoing business. The 350 fuel cell air management systems will be delivered in the first quarter of 2010, with the intention of increasing numbers to follow in successive quarters. This single order equals the company’s total 2008 unit sales, and exceeds its unit shipments in 2009. The transaction and payment terms were approved by the court appointed under the Chapter 11 procedure.

February 2010