3.02.2004 ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK--Progressive Investor announces the release of the report, "Micro-Fuel Cells: The First Wave of Fuel Cell Commercialization."

Everyone is excited about fuel cells, but most of the discussion is about when they will appear in cars. What most people don't realize is that the first introduction of fuel cells on a massive scale will not be in cars, but will be in small hand held devices like cell phones, digital cameras, and laptop computers, used by people, industry and the military around the world.

This report is a succinct overview of the industry, the main players, what sets them apart from each other and the challenges they face, and what to expect going forward. The report covers the small public companies, the role of the multinational electronics companies, and the venture capital view of the sector.

The U.S. Fuel Cell Council expects micro-fuel cells to be rapidly adopted in this market, quickly rising to $2 billion in annual sales by 2011. Why? The trend is toward adding more energy thirsty features to these devices, from color screens to more memory, and toward multi-purpose devices like cell phones that double as digital cameras. Current battery technologies can't satisfy this energy demand, but fuel cells may be able to.

"It's ironic that fuel cells may make their big debut as a result of this consumption-driven ethos. Yet, this is one of the few cases where an environmentally responsible product is being "pulled" by demands from the marketplace," notes editor Rona Fried, Ph.D.

"The environmental aspects - the fact that it reduces our dependence on oil, produces energy without pollution and without hazardous manufacture and disposal issues - are very important, but still icing on the cake," she adds.

"Most people don't realize what a HUGE area this is," remarks Walter Nasdeo, Ardour Capital. "Everyone knows battery life isn't good, and that batteries are heavy. There are also disposal issues. What's so exciting is the fact that fuel cells resolve many of the drawbacks of batteries."

The sections are:

• The Micro-Fuel Cell Landscape
  
• Meet the Companies
  
• Partner Conversation: The Experts' View on Micro-Fuel Cells
  
• Venture Capitals' View of Micro-Fuel Cells

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