Porvair Fuel Cell Technology Awarded $6.1 Million for Fuel Cell Research.(Brief Article)

Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said that Porvair Fuel Cell Technology (PFCT), a subsidiary of U.K.-based advanced materials group Porvair plc, will receive $6.1 million for fuel cell research. The multi-million dollar, cost-shared contract will be used over a three year period to improve bipolar plate technology that will help to make fuel cell commercialization a reality, the company said.

Specifically, Porvair was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop carbon/carbon composite bipolar plates for PEM fuel cells. The company will also address the development of high-volume production methods for the composite bipolar plates.

Jim Stike, president of PFCT, said this DOE contract directly addresses the very core goals the company was established to develop. "Porvair Fuel Cell Technology is an advanced materials company for the fuel cell industry," Stike said. "The materials we develop focus on overcoming the cost, size and efficiency barriers that currently prevent fuel cell technology from being a commercial success and a real alternative energy source. The DOE has shown a true desire to develop fuel cell technology and we are energized by the opportunity to be a part of such an important endeavor."

Stike said the new funding would be available later in the year and would allow PFCT to hire more resources, build necessary facilities and buy equipment that will allow the company to manufacture components for the fuel cell industry.

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