PPS to build Skoda bus

5 Feb 2007 07:00

Proton Power Systems PLC05 February 2007 PPS starts work on fuel cell hybrid system for Czech city bus with Skoda February 5, 2007... Proton Power Systems plc ("PPS"), one of the world's leadingelectric hybrid fuel cells companies, today began work on a €3.0 millioncontract for a city bus project launched in the Czech Republic. Developed incollaboration with Skoda Electric Pilsen, a leading manufacturer oftrolleybuses, the new electric bus will operate in the Prague vicinity in 2009. PPS, through its subsidiary, Proton Motor (PM) will develop a fuel cell systemfor the bus using technology based on its dedicated bus fuel cell application.The deal, which is subject to commercial contract terms being signed, willgenerate revenue of approximately €1.1 million for PM over the course ofapproximately the next 24 months. The project called Fuel Cells Czech Hydrogen-Bus (FCZ H2-BUS) is funded by theEuropean Commission, as part of its infrastructure funding programme, and otherCzech institutions. The Czech Nuclear Research Institute (UJV Rez ) is acting asproject coordinator, working with other Czech Republic partners. Felix Heidelberg, PPS' Chief Executive Officer, said, "Cities across Europe arelooking at ways to provide clean and efficient transportation to reduce carbondioxide emissions and help stem climate change. Our fuel cell technologyprovides both the environmental and the technical solution to do this. "Short distance transport fleets, like buses, can benefit from our hybrid fuelcell technology, which includes energy storage systems capable of providingpower during peak demand situations and recovering braking energy. Following ourbus projects in Germany, we hope this development with Skoda is the first ofseveral such projects in cities across Europe." Dr. Ladislav Sobotka, Executive & Development Director of Skoda Electric s. r.o., Plzen said, "Based on our experience with trolley buses we see excellentopportunities to equip further buses with PM's fuel cell system in future" For further Information contact: Media:Gavin Anderson & Company +44 207 554 1400Ken Cronin Marie Cairneykcronin@gavinanderson.co.uk mcairney@gavinanderson.co.uk Commercial:Proton Power Systems +49 8151 26 86 422Joachim Kroemerj.kroemer@proton-motor.de Notes to Editors PPS, through its subsidiary Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH ("PM") has developed andproduced a standard fuel cell module, fuelled by hydrogen integrated with anenergy storage system to create a hybrid electric fuel cell system capable ofproviding power during peak demand situations. The market focus is on industrialapplications where 'back-to-base' refueling occurs, on site, at the end of eachshift or work period. The Group has identified opportunities to replace lead-acid batteries with theirPEM fuel cell systems and has identified niche markets in the materials handlingand mass-transportation sectors where hybrid electric fuel cell systems offerconsiderable advantages over conventional engine technology and fuel cell onlydrive systems. The Group has identified two initial market segments in which theDirectors believe the advantages of hybrid electric fuel cell systems will leadto economic benefits for the end user - forklift trucks and buses. In mostcases, vehicles operate within a defined radius or return to central points ofoperation. The many advantages over current commercial alternatives include lower fuelconsumption, longer periods between refueling, shorter refueling, consistentlevels of power delivery and zero harmful emissions. PM's technology development has been undertaken with the key objectives ofmultiple applications and volume production. PPS listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) on October 31, 2006. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange