In the fuel cell sector, 2011 was a story of large and small. Large fundraising deals included US$150 million for Bloom Energy at a valuation of US$2.7 billion, and US$74 million for ClearEdge. Both are in the business of large scale stationary fuel cells, which is one of the sub-sectors of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry that is gaining traction.
Meanwhile, the micro fuel cell industry is also securing a market niche for itself. Micro fuel cell developers raising funds in 2011 included myFC, which raised US$6.7 million for the development of its PowerTrekk fuel cell mobile phone charger, while Lilliputian, whose investors include Intel, raised US$11.1 million for micro fuel cells.
Other notable deals included the funding round by ACAL Energy in the UK, which has developed a platinum-free catholyte fuel cell system with both stationary and automotive applications.
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