Rolls-Royce grows global fuel cells capability with US acquisition

Rolls-Royce, a world leading provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air, today announced it has enhanced its global fuel cell capability with a strategic acquisition in the US.

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

The acquisition underscores the commitment Rolls-Royce is making in developing SOFC systems for megawatt-scale, stationary power applications with the business goal of introducing a competitive product in this decade.

Rolls-Royce began research into fuel cell technology in 1992 and in 2003 established Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems Ltd. In 2005 Rolls-Royce 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 its US subsidiary, Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) Inc. located on the campus of Stark State College of Technology, Canton, OH.

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

Mark Fleiner, President of Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems (US) Inc. said: “We are actively growing our global fuel cell capability, and the acquisition of the SOFCo assets aligns with our strategy. From the beginning, our strategy has been to engage the best skills and technology around the world to create the first cost-competitive, highly- efficient fuel cell systems. This acquisition is a critical step on our journey.”