South Korean manufacturer Elentec has announced a deal with Viaspace subsidiary Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Corporation (DMFCC) to develop fuel cell cartridges.

The two firms have signed an a cartridge design and certified manufacturer agreement that will see the parties produce fuel cartridges to be on the market by 2007.

It is understood that the cartridges will be aimed at powering small, portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops and PDAs.

The companies believe that the technology can capture a large market share because of their longevity, but the companies will be working to develop more efficient fuel cells so that the cartridges can be made smaller and lighter, thereby making them a viable alternative to conventional batteries.

Elentec chief executive Se Yong Lee commented: "Today Elentec provides portable power to the electronics industry in the form of lithium ion batteries. While this business will continue to be strong, fuel cells offer a new level of portable power."

He explained: "Together with DMFCC, we plan to contribute to, and profit from, the fuel cell business."

A number of companies are already developing fuel cell technologies, including Canon, which recently announced its plans to develop fuel cell cameras.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd