AFC Energy Plc
08 May 2007
AFC Energy plc
Successful performance of small-scale single cell unit during 500 hour trial
AFC Energy plc ('AFC Energy'), the low cost alkaline fuel cell company, is
pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved its first technological
milestone, the operation for 500 hours of a small-scale single cell unit, within
the projected timescale described in the Admission Document.
The cell was tested successfully under specific high corrosion conditions,
designed to demonstrate operation and corrosion resistance of the system. The
trial, which was completed on schedule, demonstrated a consistent output with
minimum degradation and little evidence of corrosion.
The single cell unit demonstrates the successful generation of electricity,
using both cathode and anode electrodes, from hydrogen and oxygen. The only
by-product is water and small amounts of heat. Ultimately, the Directors
believe that AFC Energy's fuel cell will have a conversion efficiency of
approximately 60%.
The successful test of the single cell unit is an important part of the
continued progress towards AFC Energy's goal of delivery of functional systems
during 2008 in preparation for full commercialisation during 2009. The next
expected milestone is the operation of the first scaled single cell scheduled
for August 2007.
Gerard Sauer, Chief Executive, AFC Energy plc said:
'Excellent progress is being made in the development of the electrode and of the
novel balance of plant features that we are incorporating. We have a dedicated
and motivated team working towards a very focused goal of achieving the lowest
cost system in the shortest possible time specifically with relation to defining
the manufacturing protocols for mass production.'
- Ends -
For further information please visit www.afcenergy.com or contact:
AFC Energy plc 01483 276 726
Gerard Sauer, Chief Executive
Nabarro Wells & Co. Limited 020 7710 7400
Richard Swindells / Anthony Rowland
Dawnay Day Corporate Broking
David Banks 020 7070 5692
Gus Hochschild 020 7070 5690
Madano Partnership 020 7593 4000
Mark Way / Graham Moonie
About AFC Energy plc
AFC Energy plans to produce 'clean' energy without cost disadvantage
- principal objective to develop and produce an alkaline fuel cell system at a
significantly lower cost than any other fuel cell system and at a commercially
acceptable price point
- improved fuel cell production processes and reduced costs and number of
components required
- precious metals largely eliminated and all materials are expected to have at
least a 50 year security and multiple source of supply.
Availability of hydrogen produced as a by-product by other industries
- initial focus on industries producing hydrogen as waste or excess by-product
- agreement with Akzo Nobel to supply fuel cells and to generate clean energy
from hydrogen produced as by-product at chlorine production plants
Cost advantages to a proven technology
- technology created by AFC Energy based on the alkaline fuel cell technology as
used in the Apollo space shuttles and Russian Navy submarines
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange CEAXSLEDXXEFE