AFC Energy Regulatory News (AFC)

31 Jan 2008 14:48

AFC Energy Plc31 January 2008 AFC Energy plc Successful performance of prototype fuel cell AFC Energy plc, ("AFC Energy" or the "Company"), the low cost alkaline fuel cellcompany, is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved its fourthtechnological milestone, operation of the first prototype system, within theprojected timescale described in the Admission Document. The first prototype system consists of AFC Energy's new generation cartridge,demonstrating numerous manufacturing, operating and cost benefits. Multiplecartridges assembled together will be used to form the first 3.5kW systemscheduled to be delivered in August 2008 to AKZO Nobel for in situ testing. Tests conducted have proved the sound philosophy and design behind AFC Energy'sproduct. The results, with extremely uniform cell outputs at operatingtemperature, have confirmed high tolerance in-house manufacture of theelectrodes, correct manifold and seal design of the cartridge and the innovativesystem operating design and control. This milestone represents an important step towards the completion of the AKZONobel contract. The last milestone will be the prolonged testing of theprototype system during February 2008 ahead of the delivery of multiple units. Gerard Sauer, Chief Executive, AFC Energy plc, said: "With the development of the low cost fuel cell now nearing completion, we arelooking forward to seeing our fuel cells installed on site at AKZO Nobel. Thisexciting milestone will prove the viability of our fuel cells to produceelectricity using waste hydrogen that would otherwise have been released intothe atmosphere. "This milestone represents the first full system operation, including allelectric and electronic control aspects, further establishing our position as afuel cell system manufacturer. It establishes the protocol that will be used toreproduce multiple systems as we move forward with the development programme. "Through our close working relationship with our customer AKZO Nobel, we remainon track to deliver our first fully functioning fuel cell during August 2008." - Ends - For further information please visit www.afcenergy.com or contact: AFC Energy plc 01483 276 726Gerard Sauer, Chief Executive Blue Oar Securities 020 7448 4400Shane GallweyJerry Keen Madano Partnership 020 7593 4000Mark Way / Graham Moonie This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange