Prime Minister Tony Blair has praised an energy company for its pivotal role in developing an energy-efficient fuel cell for future generations.

During a speech on climate change, Mr Blair singled out Ceres Power, based in Crawley, as an example of British firms developing world-beating technology.

Ceres has developed a low-cost fuel cell for use in homes and businesses which could provide substantial energy savings and reduce CO2 emissions.

The wafer-thin fuel cells generate a continuous supply of electricity and usable heat when gas is run across one surface and air across another.

Mr Blair praised Ceres at an event marking the tenth anniversary of The Prince of Wales' Business and the Environment Programme in London last week.

He said: "Ceres Power, based in Crawley and utilising technology developed at Imperial College, has developed a new fuel cell that has unique properties and is a world leader."

Mr Blair said fuel cells would play a central part in moves towards low-carbon technologies and more efficient energy generation.

Ceres chief executive Peter Bance said: "We are delighted to have been recognised for what we have achieved with our technology developed over the past 12 years.

"The interest shown by industry and government is helping us succeed in our commercial development plan."

Earlier this year, Ceres was given £5 million to develop the eco-friendly fuel cell, which scientists hope will help solve the West's power problems.

The company secured funds from backers including the Carbon Trust and Imperial College.

Because the fuel cell will generate electricity at the point of use, independent of the national grid, customers would have a secure energy supply.

It would be particularly useful in remote areas where access to the grid is either impossible or uneconomical.

In cars and trucks a cell, rather than the engine, could power the electrics.

The need for new methods of energy production was shown last year when several of the West's leading economies, including the US and Italy, experienced huge power failures.

Ceres has started work on pilot-scale cell production and will shortly start field trials with large potential customers.

Mr Blair is under pressure to show leadership in tackling climate change and last week admitted being "shocked" by evidence of global warming.

Monday September 20, 2004