Fuel Cell Manufacturer wins U.S. Military Contract

TORONTO -- A Canadian-based fuel-cell manufacturer has been awarded a contract to develop an integrated power system for a U.S. military defense provider.

Hydrogenics Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen and fuel cell systems, recently won the contract to Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, a unit of Raytheon Company. Raytheon, one of the world's largest defense contractors, is involved in a wide range of product development initiatives for the U.S. military.

Hydrogenics President and CEO Pierre Rivard said that the military continues to embrace alternative energy technologies ahead of wide-spread commercial use, seeking performance beyond that available from conventional diesel and battery technology.

"Fuel cells can solve or mitigate several problems that the Army faces in the field, ranging from reduced reliance on costly and vulnerable fuel supply lines, to reducing the chance of enemy detection by operating cooler, quieter and cleaner power generators," he said. "We see Raytheon as a key OEM relationship that could help us gain access to the substantial potential of the U.S. military market."

Mr. Rivard said Raytheon is well-positioned to sell products to the U.S. military market.

"We look forward to working with them on this project," he said.

Canada Newswire