The US Army is advancing in the provision of portable alternative fuel cells to its soldiers by placing a follow-up order for the M-25 fuel cell developed by DuPont and SFC Smart Fuel Cell.

A $3m follow-up order for the development of the M-25 fuel cell has been placed by the military forces as part of the army’s M-25 programme.

The M-25 fuel cell is lighter than conventional power sources, can last 72 hours or more and combines DuPont’s direct methanol technology with SFC’s fuel cell systems to extend its operating life using a methanol refill.

The fuel cell can recharge a wide range of soldier equipment including digital communication and navigation equipment, transforming chemical energy into electrical energy with no significant loss of energy.