Ansaldo Fuel Cells (AFCo), a Finmeccanica company coordinated by Ansaldo Energia, and L-3 Communications Combat Propulsion Systems (L-3 CPS) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to develop and market fuel cell energy generation systems.

Under the agreement, the two companies will co-operate on marketing activities in the US and on product development in the military sector. The agreement also envisages a possible joint venture that would offer services and products to the US government.

Ansaldo Fuel Cells is one of the few players involved in developing high-temperature fuel cells (molten carbonate technology MCFC, Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells) worldwide, and the only company in Europe that has invested heavily in the development of fuel cells (MCFC). The cells generate electric and thermal energy at significantly higher efficiencies than conventional power generation technologies. The company operates on the distribution market, supplying a highly efficient and environmentally-attractive product, thanks to negligible emissions and very low noise.

Ansaldo Fuel Cells is a Finmeccanica Company that manages all activities relating to the generation of energy using fuel cells, with the aim of completing the development and manufacture of the product and launching it on the market, in line with the group’s growth strategies. The company is headquartered in Genoa, where the laboratories and development engineering division is based. In Terni, since 2004, they produce cell components used to build the demonstration plants so far created.

L-3 CPS develops, manufactures, integrates and supports propulsion and mobility systems that include engines, transmissions, turret drives and suspensions for military combat platforms worldwide. As an experienced heavy manufacturer with a detailed knowledge of converting commercial systems to military applications, L-3 CPS will be the U.S. manufacturing & integration source for the fuel cell systems.

L-3 CPS is an established alternative energy provider, already having asserted itself in the development of small, light weight fuel efficient engines for power generation; auxiliary power units; and hybrid electric vehicle technologies. L-3 CPS is based in Muskegon, Michigan.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 63,000 people worldwide and is a prime system contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, systems and subsystems. The company reported 2006 sales of $12.5 billion.

Finmeccanica
15.10.2007