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AFC Energy plc, (“AFC Energy” or the “Company”), the low cost alkaline fuel cell company that focuses on industrial markets, is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved its fifth technological milestone; 500 hours operation of its prototype system.
The successful running of AFC Energy’s prototype fuel cell confirms the durability and stability of the system after prolonged operation. Two prototypes systems were tested at the same time, both provided similar and consistent satisfactory performances. These results combined form over 1,000 hours of testing, validating the reliability of the prototype.
This milestone has been achieved within the projected timescale described in the Company’s Admission Document of April 2007.
The 500 hour operation is a significant development in the run up to beginning shipment to the Company’s customer, Akzo Nobel, who will use AFC Energy’s fuel cells to generate clean energy from the hydrogen it produces as a by-product. The prototype provides valuable operating data which will be used to assist the successful integration of the fuel cells into Akzo Nobel’s complex operating systems.
Akzo Nobel is the fourth-largest company in the chlorine manufacturing industry. The directors of AFC Energy estimate that the global chlorine industry produces approximately 1.6 million tones of hydrogen every year.
Fundamental to ensuring AFC Energy’s fuel cells reach commercial viability has been the reduction in the system’s costs. As part of this process, AFC Energy has eliminated the need for the life of electrodes to exceed 8,000 hours by making them easily replaceable and recyclable by housing them in a series of exchangeable cartridges.
Multiple cartridges assembled together will form a 3.5kW system. Initially five 3.5kW systems have been ordered, with delivery scheduled to start in August 2008 to Akzo Nobel’s site in Bitterfeld, Germany.
Gerard Sauer, Chief Executive, AFC Energy plc, said:
“This is the penultimate milestone prior to the delivery of commercial units to Akzo Nobel in August 2008 and it is extremely satisfying to have reached this point ahead of schedule.
“Through the cartridges that house the electrodes, we have developed a ‘plug and power’ system that is easy to maintain, ensures the viability of our fuel cells and makes mass production a more simple operation.
“AFC Energy is now well positioned to become a real force in providing industrial companies with solutions that allow them to re-use hydrogen to recover energy costs and contribute to their own profitability.”
Tim Yeo, Chairman, AFC Energy plc, said:
“For fuel cells and any other type of renewable energy to be viable, it is essential they can compete with existing sources of power generation.
“AFC Energy has always adopted a strategy of identifying the application and then developing the solution. With the industrial sector’s huge energy requirements it remains the focus for the Company. It is extremely pleasing that the Company’s prototype is performing and can be manufactured at a marketable level. We remain confident about the prospects for AFC Energy.”
For further information please visit www.afcenergy.com
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