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Texaco Signs Joint Development Agreement with Reliant Energy Power Systems

August 29, 1999 by Jeff Shepard

Texaco Energy Systems Inc. (TESI, White Plains, NY) announced the signing of a joint development agreement for TESI to tailor its existing fuel-processing technology for the Reliant Energy Power Systems (REPS, Houston, TX) PEM fuel cell system, which is being developed for residential use. REPS’ prototype is a 7.5kW unit that extracts hydrogen from natural gas using TESI’s fuel reformer.

TESI is developing a multi-fuel processor capable of converting commonly available fuels, such as natural gas and liquefied petroleum gases, into hydrogen, the necessary fuel for fuel cells. While the initial development is targeted at serving REPS’ fuel cell needs, the reformer is adaptable to other fuel cell systems. REPS and TESI’s goal is to further the development and integration of their prototype units. Eventually, the companies plan to combine both technologies for testing in homes.

“This project is aimed at producing a cost-effective, highly efficient fuel reformer that is commercial and meets specific cost and performance standards,” commented Greg Romney, vice president of fuel cells and fuel processing for TESI. “We were attracted to Reliant because of its substantial market presence and knowledge, and by the fuel cell’s commercial, cost-effective design. Reliant chose us because of our expertise in fuel processing, technology and commitment to produce a high-quality product at a competitive price.”