(Sharecast News) - Fuel cell and electric hybrid technology developer Proton Motor Power Systems announced the launch of a large power generation pack on Monday, based on its 'PM' module, producing 90 kW of gross power.

The AIM-traded firm said the pack is based on the new generation of its existing PM400 stack modules.

IOt said the 90 kW module would be installed in a cabinet with a volume of 452 litres, for 0.2 kW per litre, and include a complete balance of plant and power electronics.

Proton said it expected that multiples of the systems would be capable of being used for a number of applications, including 180 kW of gross power from two modules to power standby generators and large trucks, 320 kW from four modules in a cabin for use in power generation, rail and maritime applications, and 1.2 MW with four connected cabins for maritime, power generation and grid peak power shaving.

Four clusters of 1.2 MW each could also be linked to supply increased power demand.

The board said it believed that capacity of between 1.2 MW and 5 MW would be capable of being deployed in power generation, grid peak power shaving, maritime and a number of further applications.

Following successful development and testing stages, Proton confirmed that the new large power packs were now being made available for customer order and manufacturing.

The company said it had been scaling its manufacturing capabilities in preparation for mass production of its fuel cells, including an increase in staff to 120 across all levels of the business over the last 18 months.

"We have been serialising our products for mass production, we increased our personnel by 60% over the last 18 months, with more new developments on the way, we aim to eliminate diesel engines by replacing them with hydrogen fuel cell engines," said chief executive officer Dr Faiz Nahab in a short statement.

At 0932 BST, shares in Proton Motor Power Systems were down 1.82% at 13.5p.

Reporting by Josh White at Sharecast.com.