Case Western University and The Ashlawn Group are to join forces to develop PEM fuel cells for use in 'smart' munitions.

It is hoped the fuel cells will double the shelf-life of the current US military's 'smart' munitions.

PEM fuel cells, which produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen over a platinum catalyst, deliver more energy per volume and weight than batteries, yielding savings and improved efficiency.

Jesse Wainwright, a research associate professor at Case explained: "Combining Ashlawn's deep understanding of the needs of the military and Case's expertise in fuel cell design, the project aims to create a power source for next generation munitions."

"The result is a simple device, with a minimum of moving parts, that should be highly reliable and easily manufactured," he added.

The partnership is hoped to create up to 100 jobs in the next two years and around 1,000 in the long term.