Nuvera Relocates and Expands in Mass.

Nuvera is on the move. The company announced this week that it will move its headquarters, currently located in Cambridge, to Billerica, Mass., by the end of the week.

Nuvera has extensively renovated its new home on Concord Road, which features over 110,000 square feet - a mix of manufacturing space, R&D labs and offices.

The move comes in support of Nuvera's increase in production, training and customer service in anticipation of its commercial release of three products in 2008, according to the company.

"Nuvera is proud to be an alternative energy company based in Massachusetts. This move shows both the investment we have made in ensuring our progress towards commercialization, along with the support the Commonwealth has provided us, allowing us to expand here in the state. Our new facility makes it possible for us to substantially increase the focus on downstream activities to assure a quality introduction of our products in 2008" said Roberto Cordaro, President and CEO of Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc.

Toro Workman Powered by Nuvera Fuel Cells

Last week, Cambridge-based Nuvera announced that Toro (NYSE: TTC), the $1.8 billion vendor of "outdoor beautification products," has selected Nuvera's PowerFlow™ PFV-5 fuel cell system for integration into a Toro® Workman® utility vehicle. (Think golf courses, professional landscaping or consumers who are way too obsessed about their really big yards.)

The Nuvera-powered Workman is being developed under a contract between Toro and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create the next generation of turf maintenance equipment powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The vehicle will be demonstrated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) as part of their “Green Parks Program.” You might catch a glimpse of these vehicles if your vacation travels take you to Niagara Falls State Park or Beaver Island State Park and Golf Course -- two parks where they are slated for use.

An aside: Toro's "About Us" descriptor presents its products in a green light: "From water-conserving irrigation products and Earth-friendly tools to convenient ways to preserve and enhance your surroundings, we're committed to you and your environment."

Protonex Snaps Up Mesoscopic Devices

Protonex, a fuel cell system pioneer with a heavy focus on the military sector, has entered into an agreement to acquire Mesoscopic Devices, an industry leader in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, fuel reforming and desulfurization systems for a total consideration of $12.4 million.

Protonex cites a number of synergies resulting from the deal. The SOFC technologies will enable Protonex fuel cell systems to take advantage of multiple fuels, including propane, gasoline, diesel and JP8.

Mesoscopic Devices' SOFC technology complements that of Protonex, which are based on high-performance proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology. Protonex believes that both technologies have advantages and applications.

This deal comes on the heels of Protonex $3.5 million contract (March 16) with the US Army Research Office to develop a 250-watt portable fuel cell power source that is significantly smaller, lighter, quieter and more efficient than alternative battery or generator systems. This brings the total value of the company's secured government development or joint development contracts to more than $11 million.

Catamount Energy Corp. Buys Fuel Cell Technology

Rutland, Vermont-based Catamount Energy Corp., a wind energy company, has acquired 50% of EPG Fuel Cell, LLC, a developer of power projects based on fuel cell technologies. EPG Fuel Cell is a subsidiary of Elemental Power Group, a New York-based renewable energy development company.

EPG Fuel Cell will be run as a joint venture between its two owners, with plans to expand its development efforts across the U.S. in states that have electricity constrained grids in urban environments that can particularly benefit from the ultra-clean generation that fuel cell projects enable.