AFC Energy, leading developer of alkaline fuel cells, has successfully completed the commissioning ofits first commercial-scale fuel cell system (the “Beta System”) at its UK premises.

It follows the successful completion of the Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study that the Company announced on 8 August. The final stage of the commissioning process was a demonstration of electrical power generation.

This first Beta System will now be used primarily for testing and development work in support of commercialisation. AFC Energy is preparing to deploy additional Beta systems for first field trials.

Ian Balchin, AFC Energy's Executive Deputy Chairman, said:   "This is a significant milestone for AFC  Energy. Commissioning of the Beta System is the culmination of two years’ work by our dedicated team and is a remarkable achievement. It puts us well on our way to delivering a low-cost, low-carbon alternative to conventional electricity generation.”

The technical progress of recent months goes hand-in-hand with the development of commercial opportunities in a range of markets, including tie-ups with Linc Energy, the John Lewis Partnership, and N2telligence GmbH. Improvements highlighted by the study have been incorporated into the Beta system, which is currently being commissioned at the company's premises in the UK. 

LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Nexeon's unique and patented silicon anode technology increases a battery's energy density, creatinglonger-lasting batteries for the same size of battery or smaller batteries for the same performance.

The new funding will be used to scale-up the production of Nexeon's silicon anode materials to commercial levels and to provide application development and support to customers. The new manufacturing facility is expected to be on stream in 2013.

Nexeon has signed material evaluation agreements with a number of leading battery manufacturers.
Nexeon’s technology last year produced sample cells with significantly higher capacity for their size than the best current commercial equivalents.

“We are naturally delighted at the support shown by our investors who see the potential of our silicon anode technology and the excellent progress being made by our team”, said  (left) Dr Scott Brown, CEO of Nexeon. “With the strong financial backing of Innovations and Invesco Perpetual, we are well placed and very much on track to meet our customers’ needs and to achieve our commercial ambitions.”

“This new funding round will enable Nexeon to scale up its production facilities, inkeeping with Innovations’ strategy to accelerate the development of its advanced portfolio companies, and to stay with those companies for longer," says Susan Searle, Imperial Innovations’ CEO (right)  "We are privileged to work alongside Nexeon’s world class team as they continue the development of their battery technology and set up a leading edge manufacturing facility.”