WILMINGTON, Del. - GrafTech International Ltd. has announced that its Advanced Energy Technology (AET) subsidiary was awarded two cash grants totaling $1.4 million from the State of Ohio to support fuel cell development programs. These awards are part of Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's Third Frontier Program to foster the growth of fuel cell technology.

The new funding will support two fuel cell programs. Approximately $800,000 will be used in a program to develop high-volume manufacturing processes for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell flow field plates. This program will utilize proprietary GRAFCELL® advanced flexible graphite from AET and systems design expertise from PIA Group Inc., Cincinnati.

The second program, under which AET will receive approximately $600,000, is for the development of a rapid, cost-effective fuel cell testing system. This program is expected to be instrumental in accelerating improvements in the design and affordability of fuel cell components. AET is partnering with both the University of Akron and Lake Shore Cryotronics to develop and commercialize the fuel cell testing system.

John Wetula, AET president, commented, "We enthusiastically share Governor Taft's technology vision for Ohio, and for the leading role that PEM fuel cells can play in reshaping the economy of the state and our country."

Publication date: 11/10/2003