Troy, N.Y. — State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno announced today $500,000 in state support for a major initiative in fuel-cell research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The announcement was made at 10:30 a.m. at Rensselaer’s Heffner Alumni House, 1301 Peoples Ave.

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, the state is contributing the half-million dollars to support the development and production of new polymer membranes, the critical component in making fuel-cell technology economical.

“Recent concerns about America’s energy supply have increased the need for research and development of alternative energy sources, such as fuel cells,” Bruno said. “I am pleased that New York state can play a role in this exciting partnership between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 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 helping 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, says Brian Benicewicz, director of Rensselaer’s Center for Polymer Synthesis, who will head the new research program.

“The Center for Polymer Synthesis is ready to leverage its expertise and facilities in polymer science to lead the development and testing of critical technologies necessary for fuel-cell research and development,” Benicewicz says.

Contact: Jodi Ackerman
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