LIVERMORE, Calif., 15 July 2009. UltraCell Corp., a producer of fuel cells for mobile power applications, won a U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development, and Engineering Center (CERDEC) contract to build fuel cell systems based on the company's XX55 reformed methanol fuel cell (RMFC) technology.

The contract with CERDEC will extend through March 2010 with its goal being to produce working fuel cell systems capable of delivering greater than 50 watts of continuous power for a 72-hour off-grid mission. The systems will be capable of powering portable electronics equipment such as radio and satellite communications devices, remote and mobile surveillance systems, and laptop computers, as well as recharging batteries in the field. UltraCell will initially build five units to be used by U.S. ground forces in both the Army and Air Force.

"Reliable, lightweight and portable power continues to be a vital need for the soldier," said JJ Kowal, CERDEC Fuel Cell Technology Team. "This award will allow UltraCell to design a reliable, next-generation system capable of delivering extended power for soldiers during off-grid missions throughout the world."

"This latest contract with CERDEC will further the advancement of UltraCell's system design and provide units for additional military field testing," said Keith Scott, CEO of UltraCell. "We look forward to continuing to supply fuel cell systems to meet the portable power needs of today's warfighters."

The XX55 is the industry's first and only ultra-compact, rugged portable fuel cell equipped with a hybrid battery system capable of delivering 55 watts of continuous power and 80 watts peak power. The XX55's breakthrough technology offers fully optimized battery integration, allowing for complete functionality using an industry first clip-on and clip-off battery module system. The technology enables a wide range of off-the-shelf batteries to be utilized and tailored to the end-user's requirements.