SENATOR BRUNO SECURES $500,000 FOR FUEL-CELL RESEARCH AT RENSSELAER

Senator Bruno met with officials after the announcement was made that he has secured $500,000 in state funds to support Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute�s fuel-cell research.

Thursday, July 5, 2001

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today announced $500,000 in state support for a major initiative in full-cell research at RPI.

The state-funded program will be headquartered in the New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis at Rensselaer. The partners are Rensselaer; New York State; Plug Power of Latham, a leading designer and developer of fuel-cell generators; and Celanese Ventures, a German-based company and global leader in the chemical industry.

As a partner, Senator Bruno secured the half million dollars to support the development of new polymer membranes and the purpose of equipment necessary for manufacturing and film-testing activities.

"Recent concerns about America�s energy supply have increased the need for research and development of alternative energy sources, such as fuel cells," Senator Bruno said. "I am pleased that New York State can play a role in this exciting partnership between RPI, Plug Power and Celanese. This will place the Capital Region in a unique position to be a nationwide leader in fuel-cell research and technology. The result will be a new energy resource for the nation and more jobs and a stronger economy for the Capital Region."

"Fuel cells have emerged as a promising new technology in hoping to meet the world�s energy needs in the 21st century," said Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson. "The support of Senator Bruno in providing new funding for fuel cell research, and this promising new partnership among Rensselaer, New York State, Plug Power, and Celanese Ventures, will help to achieve global reach and global impact for fuel cell technology developed right here in the Empire State. This kind of partnership in research and technology transfer exemplifies the mission of the New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis at Rensselaer."

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electric power without combustion. Polymer membranes play a critical role in the devices. To advance in the fuel-cell industry, more efficient polymer membranes need to be developed.

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