CALL.L Regulatory News (CALL)

20 Jul 2009 07:00

Zenergy Power plc

('Zenergy Power' or the 'Group') 

Induction Heater Sale to World's Largest Aluminium Extruder 

Zenergy Power (AIM:ZEN.L), the superconductor energy technology company, is pleased to announce that it has, in conjunction with its industrial manufacturing and sales partner Bültmann GmbH, received a further commercial order for a low-energy/high-productivity induction heater. Also known as a 'magnetic billet heater', the high performance machine (which is based around Zenergy Power's patented superconductor technology) has been purchased by Sapa Profili Srl ('Sapa'), the Italian subsidiary of the world's largest aluminium profiles producer, the Sapa Group. 

The high performance machine purchased by Sapa will be used as a replacement for conventional gas heating equipment currently installed at its aluminium plant located in Bolzano, Northern Italy. It is anticipated that the replacement of the plant's conventional equipment with Zenergy Power's superconductor-based equipment will lead to improved operational efficiency at Bolzano and thus enhance the plant's overall commercial potential. In particular, Sapa will exploit the superconducting machine's unique processing versatility to enable the heating of several different types of aluminium alloy at the same plant. Previously this type of versatility was unachievable as a result of the limitations of the existing conventional gas heating equipment at the plant. As a result, the Bolzano plant will now be able to produce a wider range of aluminium products for a wider range of customers, increasing both the size of its serviceable market and its overall commercial potential. 

Zenergy Power is pleased to note the recognition in this instance of the economic advantages of the Group's superconducting technology over conventional heating solutions in market conditions of increasingly competitive pricing and restricted industrial output. Accordingly, the Board remains confident that the Group will meet its broker forecasts for the full year 2009 in terms of number of units sold and revenues generated. 

Jens Müller, CEO of Zenergy Power, commented: 

'Previous sales of our high performance equipment have clearly proven the economic attractiveness of our highly efficient technology in high throughput operating conditions. In equal measure, this latest sale clearly demonstrates the commercial advantages that can be gained from superconductor technology in circumstances of increased global competition and weakened demand.' 

Karl Förster, Vice President Technology / Investments, Sapa Group, commented: 

'We are looking forward to integrating Zenergy Power's superconductor technology into our operations. We have had the opportunity to work closely with Zenergy Power to qualify the technical capabilities of the superconducting machine and conclude that its proven efficiency levels will directly contribute to an increased productivity level at our Bolzano plant. This will prepare it for a bright future of servicing customer's requirements offering highest product quality in the best efficient manner.'  

-Ends-

Further information 

About Zenergy Power plc 

Zenergy Power is a superconductor energy technology company, quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and comprising three operating subsidiaries located in Germany, USA and Australia. The Group's commercial focus is the innovation and manufacture of clean energy superconductor solutions that are capable of delivering huge efficiency and cost improvements to the generation, distribution and consumption of electrical energy. 

Today, the Group's groundbreaking superconductive solutions are already delivering energy savings to industrial users of electrical energy and providing cutting-edge protection from electrical power surges to the United States electricity grid. Looking to the near future, the Group is currently developing a range of highly energy efficient superconductor components for a new class of electricity generator capable of delivering significant cost savings to the renewable energy industry. These cost savings will enable renewable energy to more effectively compete with traditional thermal power generation; leading to a greater reduction in carbon emissions and a more sustainable economic future.  

In 2007, Zenergy Power became the first company in the world to complete a commercial sale of an industrial scale superconductor application and has subsequently developed products capable of addressing several multi-billion dollar global markets. Following this in the first quarter of 2009, the Group proudly became the first company to install and operate a superconductor smart grid device, capable of significantly reducing the damaging effects of large-scale power surges, into the United States electricity grid. In line with this leading industry position, Zenergy Power is also manufacturing core components for what is due to be the world's first superconductor electricity generator which is due for installation into E.ON AG's commercial hydro dam in early 2010. It is anticipated that the installation of the superconductor generator will increase the electricity output of this generator by 36%. 

About superconductivity 

Superconductive materials are capable of conducting electricity without any resistance and were first discovered in 1911 in what was to prove to be one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the 20th Century. 

Superconductors enable:  

Energy intensive industrial applications capable of reducing energy consumption by 50% 

The protection of national power grids from blackouts

The production of revolutionary light-weight, efficient 10MW class renewable wind generators capable of reducing the cost of offshore wind power by 25%

The production of a new class of compact and efficient hydro generators capable of significantly increasing electrical power output from existing and new hydro dam structures