December 2004

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Las Vegas, NV-based Alternate Energy Corp. (AEC) says it has ordered the first Model E alkaline fuel cell (AFC) portable power generator from Astris Energi, Mississauga, ON. The purchase order also includes five additional units in stages later in 2005, Astris confirmed in a separate release. The device is rated nominally at 2.4 kW and provides 48 V DC power at 50 amperes for applications such as uninterrupted power supply, backup power, and emergency and worksite power. Astris says the generator’s electrical efficiency is greater than 50%, a figure claimed to be unequaled by any other device in its class and several times the efficiency of conventional gas generators. AEC says it plans to integrate the power generator with its on-demand hydrogen gas generator. Earlier in October, Astris said it had signed a cooperation agreement with Italy’s Electronic Machining s.r.l. (El.Ma.) in Rovereto, Trento. Astris will license its AFC technology and consulting services to the Italian company, with the goal to quickly expand El.Ma.’s technical readiness and establish it’s a center of expertise in Italy and Europe. The Italian company’s fuel cell and hydrogen R&D work is funded by the Provincia Autonoma di Trento. Contacts: Astris, Loyola Financial Services, 1-800-963-6470, e-mail ASRNF@4lfs.com; AEC, Suzanne Brydon, 519/620-2623; www.cleanwatts.com.