NextEnergy Receives Order From the National Automotive Center

'CEO appoints Technical Advisory Panel'

DETROIT, Aug. 11 -- NextEnergy, Michigan's alternative energy technology accelerator program, has been awarded a contract from the National Automotive Center (NAC) for the design and development of an Advanced Mobile Microgrid System. NextEnergy, in concert with the NAC, Selfridge Air Force Base (SANG), and DTE Energy, will provide system engineering services to enable the rapid restoration of power in the event of unplanned outages within critical energy infrastructure at SANG. The prototype design will lead to a readily transportable system capable of providing the power required to operate military equipment should utility power or fuel systems be compromised as a result of terrorist attack, combat operations, or natural disasters. James A. Croce, NextEnergy CEO, describes this contract as "the initial phase of NextEnergy's strategy to position the State of Michigan as a leader in providing vital energy technology services for defense and homeland security applications."

The announcement of this award coincides with the formation of an external Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) that will provide oversight of NextEnergy's technical initiatives. NextEnergy CEO James Croce has appointed retired DaimlerChrysler executive Bernard I. Robertson to lead the TAP. In his last position with DaimlerChrysler, Mr. Robertson was Senior Vice President, Engineering Technologies and Regulatory Affairs. Mr. Robertson is joined by Dr. William F. Powers, retired Vice President of Research for Ford Motor Company and Dr. Vernon P. Roan, Jr., and retired Director of the University of Florida's Fuel Cell Laboratory and Center for Advanced Studies in Engineering, and Professor Emeritus of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Croce describes the TAP as an entity to provide "checks and balances" with respect to the technical strategies and direction undertaken by NextEnergy. NextEnergy's current technology thrusts consist of mission critical on-site energy systems and alternative fuel infrastructure, including hydrogen and bio-based fuel production and distribution systems. "We are fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with this esteemed group of advisors to facilitate the creation of new Michigan-based businesses focused on enhancing our nation's energy security through the development and commercialization of diverse energy sources," states Croce.

NextEnergy is a non-profit corporation founded in October 2002 to accelerate the alternative energy technology industry in Michigan. The NextEnergy Center is located in an area that has been designated an Alternative Energy Renaissance Zone by the City of Detroit. The zone offers up to 20-year state and local tax exemptions for companies that locate and perform alternative energy research, development, manufacturing, education and commercialization. The NextEnergy Center provides an alternative energy demonstration and testing platform, business accelerator services, office space, and state-of-the-art educational and laboratory facilities to companies developing alternative energy technologies.