Press release

Brunnthal, Germany – July 14, 2008 – SFC Energy, world leading supplier of fuel cell products for mobile and off-grid power applications, has achieved further significant breakthroughs in its ongoing technology and product development programs. Enhanced, highly efficient EFOY fuel cell systems have repeatedly demonstrated an energy density of 1,580 Wh electric per kg of fuel. This record-high energy density was achieved by continued efficiency improvements of major system components.

The new technology will introduce decisive competitive advantages into SFC’s success-ful product range of mobile and portable fuel cells. Users benefits are additional weight savings, cost savings, and simplified logistics. Customers who operate safety-critical remote or defense applications will especially appreciate the significantly reduced de-tectability of such fuel cells due to even lower infrared (IR) and noise signatures.
 
Another significant improvement is successful long-term operation of DMFC systems on undiluted (neat) methanol at ambient temperatures as high as 55° C / 131 °F. Until recently, state-of-the-art methanol fuel cell systems required dilution of the fuel with approx. 36 weight percent of water ("pre-mix fuel") for stable operation in desert climates. So-called reformed methanol fuel cells even require such pre-mix fuel at all temperatures. Mixing water with the fuel is undesirable because it increases volume, weight, and cost of the power source, and also makes the logistics more cumbersome. With SFC’s latest technology breakthrough, the maximum energy density of undiluted fuel can now be obtained even at extreme temperatures, including harsh desert climates. This enhancement is a strong advantage for all customers who require reliable power sources under such conditions. This is the case especially in defense applications and remote industrial markets.

“We are extremely proud that SFC once again is the first company worldwide to achieve a major fuel cell technology milestone”, says Dr. Jens Mueller, COO of SFC Energy AG. “Industry and defense customers have long been requesting this improved energy density and operability under extreme conditions, and we have been the first to present these features to them. These breakthroughs clearly demonstrate our market and technology leader position. With already almost 10,000 fuel cells sold following market mechanisms, this will put our successful commercial products even further ahead of international competition.”

SFC will introduce the two new technology improvements into all SFC fuel products over the next twelve to eighteen months, including its EFOY family of fuel cell, its EFOY Pro series of fuel cells for remote industrial applications, its innovative portable fuel cell line for defense applications, and its 250 W and Emily vehicle based fuel cells.

About SFC Energy AG
SFC Energy AG (www.sfc.com) is market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. As one of Germany’s technology pioneers, SFC has won numerous innovation awards.  SFC has alliances with leading companies in a wide range of industries. Unlike most other fuel cell manufacturers, who are in the research and development phase or run subsidized demonstration projects, SFC has shipped 9,000 fully commercial products to industrial and private end users for four years, and has created a convenient fuel cartridge supply infrastructure. SFC is DIN ISO 9001:2000 certified.

SFC Press Contact:
Ulrike Schramm
Public Relations Manager
SFC Energy AG
Eugen-Saenger-Ring 4
D-85649 Brunnthal
Tel. +49 89 673 592-379
Fax. +49 89 673 592-368
Email: ulrike.schramm@sfc.com
Web: www.sfc.com