MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Aug. 24, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Astris Energi Inc. (OTCBB:ASRNF), the world's leading alkaline fuel cell (AFC) technology company, announced today that President and CEO Jiri K. Nor's presentation from the Fuel Cell 2004 Conference in Denver, Colorado is now available on the company website at www.astris.ca.
Mr. Nor's presentation, entitled "Alkaline Fuel Cell -- Technology for the 21st Century" covered the specific advantages of AFC technology and its future potential. In addition, Mr. Nor focused on the state-of-the-art progress Astris has made in developing a relatively low cost, highly efficient AFC that starts up rapidly, even in sub-zero temperatures. Mr. Nor highlighted Astris' MC250 POWERSTACK(tm) fuel cell which has performed up to 60% above its original design specifications. The MC250's base material costs are less than US$230 per kW, in part due to the elimination of platinum as a catalyst.
In his paper, Mr. Nor noted, "The alkaline fuel cell is an excellent choice now. The convenience of the instant start cannot be matched by the high-temperature fuel cells. At low temperatures and pressures, the AFC outperforms all the competing technologies, including PEM fuel cell technology."
About Astris Energi Inc.
Astris is a late-stage development company committed to becoming the leading provider of affordable fuel cells and fuel cell generators internationally. Over the past 21 years, more than $17 million has been spent to develop Astris' alkaline fuel cell for commercial applications. Astris is commencing pilot production of its POWERSTACK(tm) MC 250 technology in 2004. Astris is the only publicly traded company in North America focused exclusively on the alkaline fuel cell. Additional information is also available at the company's website at www.astris.ca.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements in this release that are not statements of fact may be considered "forward looking statements" as that term is defined under securities laws in the United States and Canada. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual events or results.