Rome, 9 October 2007
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Ansaldo Fuel Cells (AFCo), a Finmeccanica company coordinated by Ansaldo Energia, and L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems (L-3 CPS) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to develop and market fuel cell energy generation systems.
Under the agreement, the two
companies will co-operate on marketing activities in the US and on product
development in the military sector. The agreement also envisages a possible
joint venture that would offer services and products to the US government.
Ansaldo Fuel Cells is one of
the few players involved in developing high-temperature fuel cells (molten
carbonate technology MCFC, Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells) worldwide, and the only
company in Europe that has invested heavily in the development of fuel cells
(MCFC). The cells generate electric and thermal energy at significantly higher
efficiencies than conventional power generation technologies. The company
operates on the distribution market, supplying a highly efficient and
environmentally-attractive product, thanks to negligible emissions and very low
noise.
Ansaldo Fuel Cells is a Finmeccanica
Company that manages all activities relating to the generation of energy using
fuel cells, with the aim of completing the development and manufacture of the
product and launching it on the market, in line with the group’s growth
strategies. The company is headquartered in Genoa,
where the laboratories and development engineering division is based. In Terni,
since 2004, they produce cell components used to build the demonstration plants
so far created.
L-3 CPS
develops, manufactures, integrates and supports propulsion and mobility systems
that include engines, transmissions, turret drives and suspensions for military
combat platforms worldwide. As an experienced heavy manufacturer with a
detailed knowledge of converting commercial systems to military applications,
L-3 CPS will be the U.S. manufacturing & integration source for the fuel
cell systems.
L-3 CPS is
an established alternative energy provider, already having asserted itself in
the development of small, light weight fuel efficient engines for power
generation; auxiliary power units; and hybrid electric vehicle technologies.
L-3 CPS is based in Muskegon, Michigan. Headquartered in New York City, L-3
Communications employs over 63,000 people worldwide and is a prime system
contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR
(Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and
Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading
provider of high technology products, systems and subsystems. The company
reported 2006 sales of $12.5 billion.
