According to AFC, the initial delivery is to test the installation methodology and system integration, and the system is being commissioned with dummy electrodes at this point. Once these tests are completed the fuel cell will have standard electrodes installed in order to start generating electricity.

The next significant phase will be to bring the fuel cell system to "full commercial operation" at Bitterfeld, and then deliver further fully operational cells.

Ian Balchin, AFC Energy's managing director said, "this is a significant achievement, and an important step in the roll-out programme of our fuel cells. We have been working with AkzoNobel to develop a low cost fuel cell system and have greatly enhanced the design over the past few months. It is very important to us that we deliver a quality product that demonstrates the full potential of the AFC technology. We are very excited about working with AkzoNobel to bring the fuel cell system to full commercial operation".

According to a company source, AFC’s share price rose 67% on the back of the announcement.