DeLauro Applauds $150,000 Grant for Wallingford’s Proton OnSite
Federal GrantProgram Supports Economy, Long Term Energy Independence
NEWHAVEN, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) applauded the Department ofEnergy's announcement that Proton OnSite has been awarded a $150,000 Phase Igrant through the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. One of 40such awards made across the country, the grant will fund research by ProtonOnSite, in partnership with the University of Connecticut, into simplifying andreducing the energy intensity of its manufacturing processes for hydrogengenerators. This will contribute to lower production costs for Proton'sequipment, a critical factor in making hydrogen a more commercially viableenergy solution.
"TheSTTR program is designed to support innovation and technological advancementsjust like the work being done at Proton," said DeLauro. "Theresearch funded by this grant will reduce the cost of alternative energysources, improve access to these technologies, strengthen our economy and moveus closer to energy independence. I am particularly proud to see thatthey have partnered with UCONN on this project. Proton OnSite continuesto be at the forefront of the clean energy industry and receiving this award isa testament to the progress they are making."
STTR is a highly competitive program that reserves a specific percentage offederal research and development funding for awards to small business andnonprofit research institution partners. Agencies make STTR awards basedon small business/nonprofit research institution qualification, degree ofinnovation, and future market potential. Small businesses that receive awardsthen begin a three-phase program. Phase I awards fund for approximatelyone year the exploration of the scientific, technical, and commercialfeasibility of an idea or technology.
RobertFriendland,CEO of Proton OnSite, said: "We've spent the last 16 years developing processesto make our hydrogen generators more reliable and efficient. With thehelp of this grant, we'll be able to continue to optimize the production of PEMelectrolyzer technology and support emerging energy applications, which rely onlow cost sources of hydrogen to become commercially viable.
"Thisgrant will also enable us to produce superior hydrogen generators for ourcommercial customers, with a reduced reliance on precious metals andenergy-intensive manufacturing processes."
Basedin Wallingford, CT since 1996, Proton Energy Systems (d/b/a Proton OnSite)provides on-site hydrogen generation solutions to a variety of commercialindustries around the world using its proton exchange membrane electrolyzertechnology. It is also developing hydrogen energy storage systems based on thistechnology, for emerging markets in backup power, renewable energy, and avariety of fuel cell vehicle platforms.