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Plug Power Becomes First to Use Gasoline in Fuel Cell

21 October 1997

Plug Power Becomes First to Use Gasoline in Fuel Cell

    LATHAM, N.Y., Oct. 21 -- Plug Power L.L.C. in collaboration
with the U.S. Department of Energy, Arthur D. Little and the Energy
Department's Los Alamos National Laboratory today announced the first
successful conversion of gasoline to generate electricity through Plug Power's
PEM fuel cell module.  Plug Power's cell used some of Los Alamos' background
technology in this month's successful test.
    "This breakthrough is a major step toward the advancement of zero emission
vehicles," said Gary Mittleman, Plug Power president and chief executive
officer.  "The ability to use gasoline postpones the need to develop a new
fueling infrastructure and accelerates the development of these vehicles."
    Unlike traditional combustion engines, fuel cells generate electricity
through an electro-chemical process.  The system converts the chemical energy
of hydrogen -- and/or hydrocarbons -- and oxygen into electrical energy.  It
produces negligible amounts of sulfur and nitrogen oxides and less than half
the amount of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
    In addition to developing fuel cells for automotive applications, Plug
Power plans to use the same technology to convert natural gas into electricity
for residential applications.  The residential system will meet the energy
demands of a 3,000-square-foot house -- even during peak energy-use hours --
without connection to a utility's electrical distribution system.
    "Today we can only imagine a home energy system powered by a clean,
compact machine in the basement or utility room," Mittleman said.  "Within a
few years, we expect Plug Power will make it a reality by selling this energy
machine on the market."
    Fuel cells are safe, reliable, quiet and energy efficient.  Homeowners
will save on their energy bills because fuel cell operating costs will be
lower than the cost of electricity delivered through a utility's distribution
system.  These self-contained systems with few moving parts will provide
ultimate electric service reliability.
    "In the same way personal computers have replaced mainframes, we believe
fuel cells will reduce the electric industry's reliance on large, centrally
located power plants," said Anthony F. Earley Jr., Detroit Edison president
and chief operating officer and Plug Power director.
    Plug Power is developing an affordable, economically viable fuel cell,
said George McNamee, chairman of Mechanical Technology Inc. and Plug Power.
    "Now that we've proven this technology in the laboratory, it's time to
prove it in mass manufacturing," he said.  "Volume manufacturing will help us
drive down costs."
    To further the development process, Plug Power plans to partner with
chemical companies, high-tech firms and manufacturers.  The company also is
forming alliances with local gas distribution companies and electric utilities
to market and distribute the fuel cell systems.
    Plug Power L.L.C. is a joint venture of DTE Energy Company ,
the parent of Detroit Edison, and Mechanical Technology Inc., an early
developer of fuel cell technologies.  Located in Latham, N.Y., Plug Power was
formed in June 1997 to develop and manufacture fuel cells for residential
electric power generation and automotive applications.
SOURCE  Plug Power L.L.C.