FuelCell Energy, one of the leading developers and manufacturers of fuel cell power plants, has announced that it has donated emission credits to the US federal government's Energy 2006 Workshop and Trade Show for the third year in a row.

The move, which will enable the show to offset the environmental impact of the event, demonstrates the power plants' ability to reduce emissions and reinforces their position as a clean, efficient energy source, the company said.

Fuel cell technology uses a platinum or pgm catalyst to produce power from hydrogen fuel and results in less fuel needed per unit of power output, lower operating costs and reduced amounts of carbon dioxide.

In addition, because power is generated without combustion, the process produces significantly fewer harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides.

FuelCell Energy has received accolades from the US General Services Administration for its sustainable development initiatives and contributions of emission credits in previous years.

Commenting on the announcement, Bruce Ludemann, the company's senior vice president for sales and marketing, said: "Donating credits to these workshops over the last three years showcases how our high efficiency power plants reduce emissions.

"We're pleased that GSA recognised our offsets, and expect that our DFC [Direct FuelCell] power plants increasingly will be favoured as an environmentally friendly and efficient energy source."

Emission credits trading is expected to help foster the development of cleaner, more efficient technologies such as fuel cells.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd