Business Briefs: fuel cells; terrorist threats; and bioenergy in Alaska and Canada

US company, Astris Energi, has announced that discussions are under way with nine foreign fuel cell companies in six different countries – most of which were former partners of the UK’s ZeTek Power Plc, the only other manufacturer of alkaline fuel cells, which recently declared bankruptcy. Alkaline fuel cells being developed by Astris are designed for use in small vehicles and homes, as well as other applications.

Haestad Press, subsidiary of software company Haestad Methods, also from the US, has announced the release of Advanced Water Distribution Modelling and Management, a textbook that is intended to bridge the gap between theory and practical application for both water resources professionals and students. Meanwhile, Heastad Methods has also announced that federal funding has been made available for its RAM-W(SM) Plus training programme. The scheme is for those conducting vulnerability assessments and developing emergency response plans under President George W Bush’s new anti-terrorism measures.

Finally, Canadian bioenergy company, Dynamotive Energy Systems Corporation, has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Huskywood Services of Anchorage, Alaska, to enter into an exclusive agreement for the development and execution of biomass to fuel projects in Alaska and Yukon Territory, Canada.