PPS develops fuel-cell ship

Proton Power Systems PLC 26 January 2007 PPS develops first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ship London, January 26, 2007... Proton Power Systems plc ('PPS'), one of the world's leading electric hybrid fuel cells companies, today announces progress on its development of the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ship capable of carrying up to 100 passengers. From the summer of 2008, it will operate on Hamburg's Alster river. It is 25 m long, 5 m wide, and accommodates 100 passengers. The project called Zero Emission Ships (ZEMSHIPS) is funded by the European Commission as part of its LIFE-Environment funding programme for environmental innovation. As part of the project team PPS' subsidiary, Proton Motor ('PM'), is developing the propulsion system for ZEMSHIPS' motor using technology, based on its successful bus fuel cell application. The contract for PM is worth €1.15 million. Staged payments will be made over a 36-month period. ZEMSHIPS is just one of several public sector funding projects that PM is involved in over the next six months. Felix Heidelberg, PPS' Chief Executive Officer, said 'The requirement to improve air quality around major cities and the increasing worldwide acceptance of the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions as a defence against climate change are major drivers of our business. 'Not only will the ship eliminate emissions, it is also much quieter - so a candlelit dinner on deck will no longer be spoiled by the sound of groaning engines and the smell of exhaust fumes. 'Our technology matches the needs of the public and private sector alike to lower fuel consumption and eliminate harmful emissions, while at the same time improve the efficiency and performance of short distance transport fleets.' Other partners involved in the ZEMSHIPS project include: Alster-Touristik, the tourist ferry operator; Linde, which will be supplying the hydrogen infrastructure; the Government of the City of Hamburg, acting as coordinator; the Hamburg transport authority, Hamburger Hochbahn and Germanischer Lloyd for certification; as well as scientific institutions from Germany and the Czech Republic. For further Information contact: Media: Gavin Anderson & Company +44 207 554 1400 Ken Cronin Marie Cairney kcronin@gavinanderson.co.uk mcairney@gavinanderson.co.uk Commercial: Proton Power Systems +49 8151 26 86 422 Joachim Kroemer j.kroemer@proton-motor.de Notes to Editors PPS, through its subsidiary Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH ('PM') has developed and produced a standard fuel cell module, fuelled by hydrogen integrated with an energy storage system to create a hybrid electric fuel cell system capable of providing power during peak demand situations. The market focus is on industrial applications where 'back-to-base' refueling occurs, on site, at the end of each shift or work period. The Group has identified opportunities to replace lead-acid batteries with their PEM fuel cell systems and has identified niche markets in the materials handling and mass-transportation sectors where hybrid electric fuel cell systems offer considerable advantages over conventional engine technology and fuel cell only drive systems. The Group has identified two initial market segments in which the Directors believe the advantages of hybrid electric fuel cell systems will lead to economic benefits for the end user - forklift trucks and buses. In most cases, vehicles operate within a defined radius or return to central points of operation. The many advantages over current commercial alternatives include lower fuel consumption, longer periods between refueling, shorter refueling, consistent levels of power delivery and zero harmful emissions. PM's technology development has been undertaken with the key objectives of multiple 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
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