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Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and Zero Emission Energy Plants, Inc. Sign Gasification Licensing Agreement

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 December 2008, 09:42 CST

CANOGA PARK, Calif., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (PWR) has signed a global licensing agreement that grants Zero Emission Energy Plants, Inc. (ZEEP) the right to construct and operate gasification plants throughout the world using PWR's compact gasification technology. The widespread use and availability of PWR's technology could decrease energy costs, enhance energy security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.

Under this agreement, ZEEP will work closely with PWR to develop and operate gasification plants around the world, including a future commercial-scale demonstration plant. ZEEP is currently evaluating sites in China, Canada, the United States and Australia for that plant.

"We're excited to see our gasification technology taking this crucial step toward the marketplace so we can help lower energy costs, provide cleaner alternative fuels and improve energy security," said Jim Maser, president, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "ZEEP brings expertise in the oil and natural gas industry and an innovative business plan. That, coupled with our experience in gasification and technology development, makes this an ideal relationship."

Gasification converts carbon-containing material such as coal, petroleum coke, and biomass into synthesis gas (syngas), which can be used to produce electricity or further processed to manufacture chemicals, fertilizers, transportation fuels, substitute natural gas or hydrogen. The PWR gasifier is about one-tenth the size of competing systems, and offers the potential to be more efficient, reliable and affordable. It is also expected to reduce the cost of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration.

"We chose to collaborate with ZEEP as our first launch customer because of their unique business model and experience leveraging new technologies into profitable businesses," said Jim Hartung, Energy Systems director, PWR. "We are pleased to team with ZEEP to commercialize our compact gasification technology."

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries.

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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