A German fuel cell company has been awarded a contract to develop lightweight portable power systems for the US air force.

SFC Fuel Cell will develop the highly energy efficient methanol fuel cells for the air force in an order worth $500,000.

The fuel cells will be custom-made to specifications laid down by the air force. The company has previously used fuel cell technology for military customers.

"We are excited to work with SFC. They have demonstrated an ability to design a solution for our rigorous needs and have continued to show increased reliability of lightweight fuel cells and power electronics," said Josh Johnson, contract manager with the US air force.

We chose SFC for this contract because of their advanced knowledge and experience with pushing fuel cell products into the market and for their ability to respond quickly to our needs."

"We are very proud to have been awarded this order by the US air force due to the high functionality, reliability, and maturity of our products," said Christian Boehm, SFC program manager.

"The US Air Force is a great partner to work with and we appreciate the fast speed with which they consistently integrate innovative technologies like our fuel cells into their programmes and actually field them."

Platinum is used as the catalyst in the methanol fuel cells. It allows hydrogen and oxygen to react to produce the necessary energy.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd