The Intelligencer - January 5, 2010
by John Anastasi
IVYLAND -- Power + Energy Inc. has received another infusion of capital - $2.4 million in federal funding - to continue developing technology to generate ultra-pure hydrogen for use as an alternative fuel.
The Northampton company has received more than $7 million since 2006 for its research and development efforts. The Navy wants to eventually use the technology to more efficiently power some of its ships.
"Power and Energy is a local small business in Bucks County that has outpaced the expectations of the U.S. military, which is why the Navy is so excited about that partnership moving to the future," said Congressman Patrick Murphy, D-8.
Power + Energy develops purification systems that pull hydrogen from traditional fuels. The ultra-pure hydrogen can then be used to power fuel cells, which produce electricity in a process that environmentalists say is cleaner, quieter and more efficient than burning fuel.
Taking a gallon of gas, extracting the hydrogen and then using it to power a fuel cell can double the output of that gallon of gas, company officials say.
Murphy said the Department of Defense is a big energy consumer and the technology can help shrink its power footprint.
"It's a national priority to change the way we power the country and the military is part of that," he said. "We need to wean ourselves off foreign oil and I absolutely believe in hydrogen as part of the solution."
He added that using the more efficient hydrogen fuel in place of traditional fuel also would help make Navy ships "lighter, faster and more lethal."
The technology is not yet being used in ships, but Power + Energy has developed a number of commercial applications for its products. For example, its hydrogen purification system has been sold to companies that produce LED-lit electronics components. Those require ultra-pure hydrogen.
Power + Energy's CEO Peter R. Bossard said the 13-employee company generated about $2.5 million in 2009 revenue. He projects the company will employ 200 people and be posting annual sales in the $50 million range by 2015.
By 2011, Bossard said he believes the company will need to find a new manufacturing location in Bucks County because Power + Energy will have outgrown its 10,000 square feet of space in the Northampton Industrial Park.
"The research and development money that has been made available is like seed money that will help develop the product and that will help create jobs," said David De Simone, a Lower Southampton-based consultant assisting Power + Energy.
Murphy represents the residents of Bucks County, some districts of Abington, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland in Montgomery County and two wards in Philadelphia.
John Anastasi can be reached at 215-949-4170 or at janastasi@phillyBurbs.com.
Article Copyright The Intelligencer, January 05, 2010.
About Power+Energy
Power & Energy is headquartered in Pennsylvania, USA. Established in 1993, the company's mission is to enable the hydrogen economy and promote energy efficiency through the application of micro-channel technologies. The company provides a full range of micro-channel hydrogen purifiers to ultra-high purity users across the U.S., Asia and Europe.
For further information, contact Al Stubbmann, Power & Energy Inc., 106 Railroad Avenue, Ivyland, PA 18974-1449, e-mail al.s@powerandenergy.com or call +1-610-217-0193.
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