(Washington, D.C.): -- Congressman Michael R. McNulty (D-Green Island) announced today that MTI MicroFuel Cells (MTI Micro) of Albany, the developer of Mobion^™ micro fuel cell technology for handheld electronic devices, and a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology Incorporated (NASDAQ:MKTY), has received a subcontract to develop a hybrid advanced solider power (HASP) system. The $1 million contract is with the US ARMY Communications Electronic Research and Development Command (CERDEC).

Congressman McNulty was joined by executives from MTI Micro and its parent company, MTI, including MTI Micro board member and former Secretary of Defense, Dr. William Perry, to share the news with congressional staff and industry representatives in Washington, D.C.

McNulty said, “There is an urgent need for an improved power source to address the growing portable power demands in the military. This contract from the Army allows government and industry to join forces to create state-of-the-art technology to help our troops accomplish their mission.”

MTI Micro and a partner company will provide a hybrid system designed to substantially increase mission duration and reduce weight carried by soldiers.

“This lightweight, compact, single power source – targeted to provide 30 hours of continuous operation on a single charge – will be designed to power multiple electronic devices carried by the soldier and would eliminate the need to carry multiple battery types and the repeated mission disruption to swap out batteries,” said Dr. William Acker, Chief Executive Officer of MTI Micro. “Recent experience with special operations forces indicates soldiers carry up to 35 pounds of batteries. With a HASP system, a soldier may carry multiple fuel cartridges to exponentially increase mission duration while lowering system weight.”

“Today’s soldier faces an unprecedented need for reliable and safe power in order to perform his or her mission. This initiative with MTI Micro is a first step that will provide us with a system that holds a potential solution to current and emerging portable power needs of our armed forces,” said Dr. Perry.

McNulty added, "I am very excited that this technology is being created in my district, part of what we know today as Tech Valley, an initiative launched five years ago to market upstate New York as a hub for high-tech companies and an epicenter for technology innovation. Today, the Tech Valley region covers 18 counties and is home to more than 1,000 technology companies, employs over 50,000 people, and generates an annual payroll of $2 billion and an annual economic impact of $5 billion. MTI Micro is part of this initiative and is a prime example of a company that is creating jobs and exciting new technologies to help solve critical problems."

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