Metallic Power, a developer of zero-emission, regenerative zinc/air fuel cells, announced that it has shipped the first of its 1.5kW portable power sources for test and evaluation. One of these units was delivered to Briggs & Stratton Corporation of Milwaukee, Wis. The two companies are working together to evaluate a fuel cell power source.

“This shipment represents another important milestone for Metallic Power as it is the first delivery of what we believe will be one of the most important power solutions of the future,” says Dr. Jeffrey Colborn, president and CEO of Metallic Power. “While still in its infancy, this technology offers a number of advantages over existing power sources: high efficiency; superior energy density; automatic regeneration of the fuel; cost-effective design and emission-free, near-silent operation so it can be used indoors.”

Throughout 2001, Metallic Power will continue a series of preliminary field trials in a variety of applications, including portable power, emergency backup power for computers, networks and telecommunications equipment, and vehicular power. Beta testing is slated to begin early in 2002 with initial product launch planned for later that year.

Metallic Power Inc. was founded in 1995. The company develops zinc/air fuel cell-based products, which use recyclable zinc fuel to provide emission-free electricity. Because it uses zinc fuel, one of the Earth’s most abundant elements, it does not require the use of fuel reformers.