NexTech Awarded SOFC APU Projects

NexTech Materials, Ltd. AWARDED NIST ATP and OHIO TFAF Projects
Nearly $3 Million Towards Development of SOFCs for Transportation APU Applications

NexTech materials is the recipient of two awards towards development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for use in transportation and aerospace auxiliary power unit (APU) applications. The U.S. Commerce Department's Advanced Technology Program (ATP) will provide up to $2 million, while Ohio's Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program (TFFCP) will provide $898,137 . These projects address the development of a SOFC architecture and manufacturing process that offer unparalleled power density, improved manufacturability, better mechanical integrity and ability to use liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The proposed concept represents an order of magnitude improvement over current fuel cell development efforts that are focused on land-based, mass-market commercial opportunities. Collaborators on these projects include SOFCo-EFS Holdings, LLC; Edison Materials Technology Center; and NASA Glenn Research Center.

William Dawson, President/CEO of NexTech, states, "These projects allows NexTech to stay on the cutting edge of solid oxide fuel cell manufacturing technology and significantly improve on our state-of-the-art planar, tubular, and hybrid fuel cell designs."

These projects are targeted at producing new fuel-efficient auxiliary power systems to meet current and future transportation needs. Vehicles have an increasing number of electrically powered systems for operation and passenger comfort. Automotive electrical power demand alone has quadrupled over the past five years and auxiliary power units not driven by the motive engine will likely satisfy future demand. For aircraft applications, SOFC-based APUs could reduce fuel usage by 70 percent on the ground and 40 percent in flight. APUs for transportation must be light and compact, withstand mechanical shock and vibration, and use the same fuel as that used for motive power in order to easily integrate with existing systems. Successful deployment of this technology will fundamentally change vehicle design and offer competitive advantages to adopters.

Ohio's Governor BobTaft said "Our Third Frontier investments in the fuel cell industry are succeeding and directly benefiting Ohio citizens. I am pleased to award the next round of Third Frontier investments and keep Ohio at the forefront of fuel cell research, development and commercialization."

About NexTech Materials
NexTech Materials, Ltd. is a leading developer and supplier of materials and components for the fuel cell industry and is dedicated to reducing the manufacturing and operating costs of fuel cells. NexTech's customers are located in over 20 countries and include leading researchers, developers and manufacturers throughout the world. NexTech Materials, Ltd. was founded as a privately held company in 1994 and has grown by 35% per year on average. NexTech recently expanded its manufacturing and R&D facilities located in Lewis Center Ohio. NexTech has over 20 ongoing R&D projects aimed at development of cutting edge materials and component manufacturing technologies. For additional information about NexTech Materials, Ltd., please call (614) 842-6606 or visit our web site http://www.nextechmaterials.com.

About the Advanced Technology Program
The Advanced Technology Program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology bridges the gap between the research lab and marketplace, stimulating prosperity through innovation. Through partnerships with the private sector, the ATP accelerates the development of innovative technologies that promise significant commercial payoffs and widespread benefits for the nation. The ATP provides a mechanism for industry to extend its technological reach and push the envelope of what can be attempted. ATP awards are made on the basis of rigorous peer-reviewed competition, considering the scientific and technical merit of each proposal and its potential benefits to the U.S. economy. For more information about the ATP, visit www.atp.nist.gov.

About the Third Frontier Project
Unveiled by Governor Taft in February 2002, the Third Frontier Project is a ten-year, $1.1 billion initiative to expand high-tech research capabilities, promote innovation, encourage company formation and create high-paying jobs in the State of Ohio. It is the State's largest-ever, technology-based economic development investment, awarding more than $220 million to Ohio-based companies, universities and research organizations to date. Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program grants support the growth of Ohio's fuel cell industry.