Swedish state supports Opcon

Swedish state supports Opcon The Swedish National Energy Administration (STEM) has approved a grant worth SEK 5.7 million for Opcon Autorotor AB. The money will be used for continued research and development of air systems for fuel cells. STEM has identified several reasons for supporting Sweden's position in the development of fuel cells for vehicles. Cleaner engines are better for the environment, and the area is an important one for Sweden's industrial development. Opcon Autorotor AB, a subsidiary of the listed Opcon Group, develops and manufactures compressors which, among other applications, supply air to fuel cells. Fuel cells are considered by many to be an important source of power in the future for vehicles, capable of replacing the traditional combustion engine. Fuel cells are powered by hydrogen gas and the only emission is clean water. This year Opcon Autorotor AB received its first order for serial manufacture of air systems designed for fuel cells used in buses. Stockholm City has ordered three of these buses. Next year will see the start of serial manufacture of fuel cell engines for cars and jeeps. Opcon Autorotor AB is extending its capacity to enable 10,000 compressors per year to be manufactured at its site in Nacka, near Stockholm. During 2000 and 2001 Opcon Autorotor AB completed a development project in association with NFO Drives AB and AB Kompositprodukter. The result was a lighter, more compact and more efficient air supply system comprising compressor, inverter and electric motor. A second phase of development will now begin where the objective is to improve the system and produce an even greater effect. "After we evaluated the first phase we noted great interest from customers so we want to develop the system even further," reports Roland Ärlebäck, Managing Director of Opcon Autorotor AB. "We have also seen how our customers are increasingly demanding system solutions. Continued development should produce new and better products that will meet these demands. We will be able to supply a complete air system featuring compressor, expander, electric motor and inverter," says Roland Ärlebäck. The state grant will provide half of the estimated project cost of around SEK 12 million. The project will be performed in a consortium which will also include NFO Drives AB and AB Kompositprodukter. Opcon Autorotor AB will be responsible for project management. The first phase of the project was also supported by STEM. For further information, please contact: Roland Ärlebäck, Managing Director, Opcon Autorotor AB, tel +46 8 448 44 46, +46 70 549 04 52 Lena Karlsson, head of information, Opcon, tel +46 532-611 34, mb +46 70-326 74 0 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/06/06/20041004BIT20480/wkr0001.pdf