Rolls-Royce makes U.S. fuel cell acquisition

Power systems maker Rolls-Royce has enhanced its fuel cell operations with a strategic acquisition in the U.S.

Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) has acquired the assets of Ohio-based SOFCo-EFS Holdings from McDermott International. Founded in 2003, the SOFCo research and development team has expertise in fuel processing technologies, advanced research and development in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) materials and stacks, and advanced system integration capabilities.

Rolls-Royce had previously announced plans to make SOFC systems for megawatt-scale stationary power applications, with the intent to introduce a product in this decade. In doing so, it would compete with FuelCell Energy, HydroGen Corporation and others.

Rolls-Royce began research into fuel cell technology in 1992, and in 2003 established Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems. In 2005, the company partnered with Singaporean consortium EnerTek to jointly invest $100 million toward developing a commercially-viable power system based on fuel cell technology.

Last year the company announced the formation of subsidiary Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US), located on the campus of Stark State College of Technology in Canton, OH.

Leveraging its aerospace technology, Rolls-Royce has designed an electrical power system that integrates a solid oxide fuel cell with a micro turbine. This power system appears to be more efficient than conventional gas turbine or reciprocating engines, with less impact on the environment. The current objective is a stationary power-generation system providing around 1 megawatt of electricity.

The company has also opened a new facility at Loughborough University in the U.K. to pilot the production of ceramic components for use in fuel cell systems.

Rolls-Royce's annual sales in North America are more than $3 billion. U.S. interests hold more than 30 per cent of Rolls-Royce shares.

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