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ITM POWER PLC LAUNCH OF ITM'S FIRST WORKING DUAL LIQUID FUELLED FUEL CELL ITM Power ("ITM" or "the Company"), which aims to provide the enabling technology for the hydrogen economy, today announces that it has successfully demonstrated an alkaline solid polymer fuel cell using ITM's unique alkaline membrane technology operating by using two liquids: a liquid fuel and a liquid oxidant. This demonstration device is an additional strong indication of the diversity and commercial potential of ITM's core materials and processes and significantly broadens the potential addressable markets for future licensing deals. The device was built to demonstrate the application of ITM's technology to a micro-fuel cell, a size that could be compatible with use for instance in a hand held telecommunication or other portable electronic devices. It has the potential to be operated at high energy density at room temperature using a safe fuel / oxidant combination: sodium boro-hydride (non-flammable, as it is used as a solution in water) and hydrogen peroxide (a similar dilution to an antiseptic which you can buy at a high street chemist). Using two liquids enables the device to operate at high altitudes, such as in an aircraft; in polluted environments (including the presence of carbon monoxide in atmospheric air), as well as underwater. Additionally, ITM has developed and filed a UK patent on a new early warning system, which indicates when the liquid fuelled fuel cell is in need of refuelling. The system consists of a colour indicator that allows the colour of the fuel (or the oxidant) to change as the material is exhausted, giving an early warning of the need to re-charge the device. Previously, the rapid drop in performance was the only means of detecting that the fuel needed re-charging. UK patent applications have been made to include: the early warning refuelling colour indicator and a sealed refuelling cassette designed specifically to enable the rapid and convenient refuelling of fuel cells operating using one (or two) liquids. Jim Heathcote, CEO of ITM Power commented: "It is central to ITM's approach that the technology it develops should be actually useable, and it must therefore be robust and easy to refuel using non-hazardous materials. This new system offers a route to a rapid, safe and convenient refuelling process without which such fuel cells will not become commercially successful. The present technical demonstration clearly indicates ITM's commitment to increasing its value by expanding its intellectual property, whilst concentrating firmly on technologies necessary to make fuel cells both cost effective and attractive to commercial customers." Please call the following if you wish to either arrange for a demonstration of the technical device or for further information: Media and Analysts Institutional Investors Private Client
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