DuPont, SFC portable fuel cell in limited field use

Wilmington, Del.-based DuPont (NYSE: DD) and Brunnthal, Germany's SFC Smart Fuel Cell said today that its portable M-25 fuel has been deployed for its first limited use in the field for the U.S. Army.

DuPont said the fuel cell combines its direct methanol technology with SFC's fuel cell systems, products, and integration experience.

"Our fuel cell technology represents a major breakthrough in portability that will benefit soldiers through significant weight reduction, while providing a prolonged source of power," said Cynthia Green, VP and general manager of DuPont Fluoroproducts.

DuPont said the M-25 system is up to 80 percent lighter than conventional power sources, yet is capable of powering a wide range of soldier equipment, such as digital communication and navigation equipment.

In addition to its light weight, DuPont said the M-25 delivers quiet and continuous energy, and offers independent standalone functions such as remote area battery charging and power.

"The M-25 has the capability to revolutionize wearable portable power sources in the field by extending soldier-mission times to 72 hours and beyond," said Col. Richard Hansen, project manager of the Soldier Warrior program of the U.S. Army.

"We want our soldiers in the field to have the best equipment with the least weight to carry, and their gear must be powered reliably on missions. The M-25 is progressing well toward helping us realize this goal."

DuPont and SFC were selected for the U.S. Army program in November 2005. DuPont said it maintains a minority investment in SFC.

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