Franklin Fuel Cells: A Powerful Energy Alternative

Nov 09 - Business Wire

Company Progresses from Start-up to Early-Stage with Focus on the Commercialization of the World's Only Copper Based Fuel Cell Technology

As the energy crisis grows, efforts continue to find new ways to generate and deliver energy that is cleaner, more efficient and less dependent on the energy grid some believe is becoming increasingly less reliable.

One company, Franklin Fuel Cells Inc., (FFC), is forging new ground in the search for energy alternatives, and has progressed from being a conceptual start-up to a full-fledged early-stage company.

FFC has developed a unique solid oxide fuel cell technology (SOFC) that can operate directly on hydrocarbon fuels -- such as gasoline, diesel and natural gas, as well as hydrogen, without fuel pre-treatment, processing or reforming -- to generate power.

An energy system based on FFC's unique SOFC technology can operate on a hydrocarbon fuel supply, switch to a hydrogen fuel supply and/or switch back to a hydrocarbon fuel supply without making costly changes to the energy system's design, architecture and operating parameters.

The core patented technology was developed originally by scientists at The University of Pennsylvania. Additional supportive technology was developed at The Gas Research Institute in Chicago, Illinois.

FFC recently opened a new facility in Malvern, Pennsylvania, complete with state-of-the-art laboratory where fuel cell development and testing takes place.

CEO John Law joined the company in October. With over 20 years in the technology, power and distributed generation industries, most recently with GE Power Systems and Plug Power Inc., a developer and manufacturer of PEM fuel cells, Law understands the impact FFC could have on the energy marketplace.

"FFC-based systems will be highly competitive with existing and alternative energy technologies, such as internal combustion engines, other fuel cells and in some cases, with the electric grid itself," said Law.

To mark FFC's progression from start-up to early-stage, the company recently held an open house at its new facility, along with a ceremonial ribbon cutting for its on-site laboratory. The event was attended by FFC's investors, business partners, employees and supporters.

Congressman Jim Gerlach, from Pennsylvania's 6th Congressional District, and Pennsylvania Secretary of Environmental Protection, Kathleen McGinty were both on hand to celebrate the occasion.

Gerlach, an active member of the Small Business Committee of the 108th Congress, has demonstrated his support of FFC's work through his support for an appropriation from the Department of Defense to commercialize hydrocarbon fuel cells.

McGinty's work with the Department of Environmental Protection has included a strong focus on alternative energy and environmentally friendly technologies such as fuel cells.

About Franklin Fuel Cells

Franklin Fuel Cells, Inc. (FFC) is an early stage company focused on the development and commercialization of an innovative solid oxide fuel cell technology (SOFC). Franklin Fuel Cells is the only company with a proprietary, patented copper base SOFC technology that allows the direct utilization of hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene and propane in addition to hydrogen and methane. FFC' s investors include EnerTech Capital, The Reinvestment Fund's Sustainable Development Fund, Hunt Power L.P., as well as fourteen individual angel investors. The company is actively seeking ancillary funding and technical support from a variety of government and industry sources to accelerate the development and commercialization of its fuel cell technology. For more information call Wayne Gardner at 610-640-7545 or visit the company website at www.franklinfuelcells.com .