DuPont and SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG has announced that the M-25 portable fuel cell, which combines DuPont’s direct methanol technology with SFC’s commercially proven fuel cell systems, products, and integration expertise, has been deployed for its first limited use in the field for the U.S. Army.

"DuPont is very pleased to collaborate with SFC on achieving this milestone," said Cynthia C. Green, vice president and general manager -- DuPont Fluoroproducts. "Our fuel cell technology represents a major breakthrough in portability that will benefit soldiers through significant weight reduction, while providing a prolonged source of power."

When worn by soldiers in the field for extended missions, the M-25 is up to 80 percent lighter than conventional power sources, yet is capable of powering a wide range of soldier equipment, such as digital communication and navigation equipment. In addition to its light weight, the M-25 delivers quiet and continuous energy, and offers independent standalone functions such as remote area battery charging and power.

"The M-25 has the capability to revolutionize wearable portable power sources in the field by extending soldier-mission times to 72 hours and beyond," said Col. Richard Hansen, project manager, Soldier Warrior, U.S. Army. "We want our soldiers in the field to have the best equipment with the least weight to carry, and their gear must be powered reliably on missions. The M-25 is progressing well toward helping us realize this goal."

The field use of the M-25 fuel cell is part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Defense Acquisition Challenge Program (DACP), which was established to provide opportunities for the increased introduction of innovative and cost-saving technologies, products, or processes into existing Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition programs. DuPont and SFC were selected for this program in November 2005, and since then, DuPont and SFC fuel cells have successfully passed several important milestones. DuPont maintains a minority investment in SFC.

"We are extremely proud that this collaboration between DuPont and SFC has brought the M-25 to market within two years," said Dr. Peter Podesser, chief executive officer -- SFC Smart Fuel Cell. "Our combined expertise has enabled us to meet DACP’s goals of introducing new technologies to DOD acquisition programs, while adapting some of the latest alternative-energy technologies to the Army’s needs."

SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG is a market leader in fuel cell technologies for mobile and off-grid power applications serving the leisure, industrial and defense markets. SFC is the first and only provider of fully commercialized fuel cell products, and has sold more than 9,000 fuel cells into a wide range of consumer and industrial applications.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation..