US-based FuelCell Energy is acquiring the fuel cell component inventory and fuel cell manufacturing equipment of the former MTU Onsite Energy GmbH in Germany. FuelCell Energy is also working to finalise the establishment of its European joint venture with Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) by 30 June.
FuelCell Energy's German subsidiary, FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH, is acquiring selected assets from MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH, a subsidiary of Tognum AG. The specified assets include the fuel cell component inventory and fuel cell manufacturing equipment of the former MTU Onsite Energy GmbH Fuel Cell Systems subsidiary in Ottobrunn.
FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH, based in Germany, will develop the market for stationary fuel cell power plants in Europe for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale applications.
'We are eager to apply our R&D capabilities to the Direct FuelCell® technology, and work with European governments and industry to support the adoption of stationary fuel cell power plants that help address the power generation challenges facing certain regions of Europe,' says Professor Dr Alexander Michaelis, Director of Fraunhofer IKTS.
'This agreement and the ramp-up of FCES will enable cost effective large-scale fuel cell technology to become available today, for commercial applications throughout Europe,' adds Chip Bottone, President and CEO of FuelCell Energy Inc. 'We are building on the strength and leadership shown by the vision of the German government, and bringing the experience which comes from over 180 MW of commercial installations and order backlog worldwide.'
