Advent Technologies Holdings announced that its subsidiary, Advent Technologies, LLC, has secured a new $2.2-MM contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). This milestone achievement comes under the General Technical Services prime contract titled ‘Soldier Tactical Expeditionary Power – Energy Generation Services’, and it will play a crucial role in supporting the demanding defense mission requirements of the U.S. Army.

This contract is the continuation of a series of past contracts with the DOD and its primary objective is to further optimize Advent’s proprietary Honey Badger 50 (HB50) portable fuel cell system by integrating the Company’s innovative Ion Pair membrane electrode assembly (MEA) technology. Upon the completion of this new 12-month contract, Advent and the U.S. DOD aim to reinforce their long-term collaboration by focusing on the manufacturing process of the enhanced HB50 fuel cell system, that will enable high-volume production manufacturing capacity.

MEAs form the heart of the fuel cell, and their performance determines the lifetime, efficiency, weight, and to a large extent, the cost of the end electrochemistry products. Advent’s Ion Pair MEA technology is anticipated to significantly enhance HB50’s performance, resulting in higher power density and improved compact packaging, making it an ideal solution for off-grid field applications, including military and rescue operations.

Since 2020, Advent Technologies, LLC has been actively refining its HB50 fuel cell system to create a highly portable and efficient power supply suitable for on-the-move battery charging and direct power supply for various U.S. Army applications. Through rigorous development efforts, the size and weight of the original 50-W fuel cell system have been significantly reduced, culminating in successful field tests in 2022 and 2023, with the final technical report reinforcing its operational suitability.

The HB50 power system can be fueled by biodegradable methanol, providing near-silent power generation with clean emissions. Its compact design allows it to seamlessly power radio and satellite communications apparatus, remote surveillance systems, laptops, and other battery charging needs, making it an ideal choice for covert operations. The system’s unique thermal features enable it to operate within a wide ambient temperature range from considerably below freezing to surpassing 40°C, therefore ensuring reliability in challenging conditions and climates.

HB50’s adaptability to run on methanol as H₂ carrier fuel allows it to operate at a fraction of the weight of traditional military-grade batteries. This factor is aligned with the DOD’s pursuit of lightweight and highly portable power solutions for their electronic needs, especially in conjunction with Integrated Visual Augmentation System and dismounted leader situational awareness systems for use during combat operations, like Nett Warrior.

Dr. Vasilis Gregoriou, Advent’s Chairman and CEO, said, “This contract is a significant milestone in our journey to broaden market presence and establish Advent’s portable fuel cell products as the leading choice for essential defense applications. Our collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense on the Honey Badger 50 fuel cell system opens the door to great opportunities and higher production volumes. Our vision encompasses a future where a substantial proportion of the U.S. Army’s remote operations will be powered by Advent’s highly innovative portable fuel cells. Beyond meeting the Army’s needs, this optimized system represents a clean power solution for various other applications. Looking ahead, we have a strong vision for these unique fuel cells, foreseeing their widespread use in various sectors like robotics, agriculture, drones, emergency operations, as well as catering to the needs of leisure and camping enthusiasts in the hospitality industry.“

“We are very excited about this new contract and deeply honored to further expand our collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense in advancing the development of our Honey Badger 50 fuel cell system,” said Vasilis Kopelas, General Manager of Advent LLC. “At Advent, we firmly believe in a world where fuel cells become the primary power option for challenging defense mission requirements, and we very much look forward to contributing to this new reality with our portable fuel cells. This enhanced version with Advent’s Ion Pair technology will set new benchmarks for fuel cell efficiency, longevity, and power density, providing reliable power both practically and sustainably for critical field operations.”