The US department of defence has announced that it will fund a $2 million research project into fuel cell development as part of its Defence Continuity of Operations Programme (COOP).

The research will be aimed at developing an advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) that will be used as a back-up power source should other sources of power be lost.

The fuel cells are being envisaged as a tool for keeping satellites of the US government that are in varying locations operational should power supplies be lost, for example as a result of a natural disaster or a terrorist attack.

Fuel cells have many advantages, including their portability and lack of harmful emissions, while they are also more resistant than regular power sources meaning that they will not be easily damaged.

The chairman of Ballard Power Systems, one of the two companies involved in the project, said: "Collaboration among fuel cell developers, systems integrators and governments will accelerate the commercialisation of fuel cell technology."

The move indicates an increasing concern for national security in the US, with fuel cell technology potentially playing a further role.

General Motors (GM) announced an agreement with the US army this month to produce a diesel hybrid military truck equipped with an auxiliary fuel cell power unit.

GM unveiled the militarised version of the commercial Chevrolet Silverado crew cab at the North American International Auto Show last week.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd