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FuelCellStocks.Com
Investing in Fuel Cells and the Hydrogen Economy
Fuel Cell News
February 24, 2005
Tests Planned for Fuel Cells Powered by Hydrogen Produced
From Industrial Waste
Source: Plasma Environmental Technologies Inc.
Plasma Environmental Technologies Inc. (PET), a Canadian
company that turns waste into clean energy and Astris Energi Inc. (OTC
Bulletin Board - ASRNF) a company that produces hydrogen powered alkaline
fuel cells, are teaming up to pursue opportunities to employ the hydrogen
produced from PET's waste-processing technology for use in Astris' hydrogen
fuel cell systems.
Plasma's "Plasma Assisted Gasifier" (PAG) process is a unique
cogeneration system that safely and effectively converts solid organic
waste into energy, a technology co-owned by Kinectrics Inc. The PAG utilizes
the plasma gasification of waste materials with significant inherent BTU
values to produce a high value fuel gas which is rich in Hydrogen. Waste
(feedstock) that may be converted into hydrogen by the PAG includes sorted
municipal solid waste (MSW) with a high BTU value, agricultural waste,
de-watered sludges, and chipped tires. The energy produced can either
be sold, or used internally to supplement the site's electricity costs.
This form of distributed, alternative energy is a rapidly growing niche
market.
Astris Energi Inc. (www.astris.ca) is based in Mississauga, Ontario. Astris
is a research and development company which designs and develops hydrogen
fuelled electric power generating systems based on alkaline fuel cell
("AFC") technology for use in stationary, portable and transportation
applications.
The Teaming Agreement with Astris is in three stages. The first stage
will determine the suitability of the hydrogen gas produced in the PAG
waste destruction process for use in Astris' hydrogen fuel cell systems.
Upon completion of Stage 1, Stage 2 will lead to the selection of a PAG
installation site for a demonstration/pilot project to further evaluate
the performance of the PAG produced hydrogen in Astris' fuel cell systems.
Finally, Stage 3 will lead to the commercialization of the PAG waste-destruction
and hydrogen generating process and the Astris' fuel cell applications.
The integration of PET's PAG and Astris' hydrogen fuel cell systems has
many applications and tremendous commercial potential. This integration
represents the ability to safely and economically divert certain wastes
from landfills and convert them into a clean fuel that is environmentally-friendly.
"This Teaming Agreement with Astris symbolizes both PET's and Astris'
commitment to the environment. We are very excited about the possible
convergence of our two technologies and the fantastic opportunities that
could develop. Not only is this a significant milestone for our Company,
but we also feel this is a significant milestone for modern society and
the environment as a whole", said John Wright, President of PET.
"Imagine being able to convert certain wastes into a safe and clean
energy that can power fuel cells. There is a growing need for environmentally
safe methods of waste disposal along with the ability to produce alternative
and clean energy. To say the least, we are thrilled to be working with
Astris on this endeavour."
"Hydrogen distribution is currently a large component of the total
fuel cost for our fuel cell systems, directly impacting operations costs."
said Peter Nor, VP marketing and Corporate Development of Astris Energi.
"The PAG installation could supply hydrogen where it is needed. The
waste stream produced at a manufacturing plant, for example could be used
to produce fuel for special purpose vehicles powered by alkaline fuel
cells, such as fork-lift trucks and golf cars. This Agreement with PET
has the potential to develop significant new revenue streams for Astris."
Plasma Environmental Technologies Inc. is a Canadian public company that
trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol: PE). PET develops and markets
plasma-based systems for the safe and cost-effective destruction of hazardous
and non-hazardous wastes. Plasma technology is a thermal, non-incineration
process that converts targeted solid wastes into energy (hydrogen and
electricity)
Astris Energi Inc. is a late-stage development company committed to becoming
the leading provider of affordable fuel cells and fuel cell generators
internationally. Over the past 21 years, more than $17 million has been
spent to develop Astris' alkaline fuel cell for commercial applications.
Astris is commencing pilot production of its POWERSTACK(TM) MC250 technology
in 2005. Astris is the only publicly traded company in North America focused
exclusively on the alkaline fuel cell. Additional information is also
available at the company's website at www.astris.ca.
Kinectrics, formerly a division of Ontario Hydro, is now an independent
company formed to help the North American energy sector improve business
performance through science and engineering. Based in Toronto, Kinectrics
applies its expertise to generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial
energy services. Kinectrics is also internationally renowned in the field
of environmental engineering, including applications of plasma arc technology.
www.kinectrics.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this release that are not statements of fact may be
considered "forward looking statements" as that term is defined
under securities laws in the United States and Canada. Forward-looking
statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual
events or results.
Shares Outstanding: 31,323,786
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility
for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Plasma Environmental Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE:PE)
/CONTACT:
Plasma Environmental Technologies Inc., Alex Falconer, (905) 332-9693,
Fax: (905) 332-9792, falconer@plasmaenvironmental.com
/WEB SITE: http://www.plasmaenvironmental.com
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