Arkema’s King of Prussia Research Facility Supports President’s Advanced Energy Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Bell
Phone: 215-419-5293
2000 Market Street - October 25, 2006

PHILADELHIA, PA (October 25, 2006) –  Arkema Inc. announced today that it has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to continue support of their Fuel Cell project.  The $6.27-million grant will be divided between Arkema Inc. and its development partners.  The grant was awarded as part of President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative and supports the advanced membrane research begun in 2003.

Research on this project is being conducted at Arkema’s King of Prussia, PA technical center, which is the North American headquarters for research and development.
 
“This grant will allow Arkema Inc. and its partners to continue advanced research and development aimed at low-cost, durable membranes and membrane-electrode assemblies for stationary and mobile fuel cell applications,” said Dr. Ryan Dirkx, vice president/R&D for Arkema Inc.  “The grant brings together the polymer expertise of Arkema Inc. and the assembly, testing and analytical capabilities of our partners with the ultimate goal of producing fuel cells that could be the future of clean, efficient transportation.”

A world-class chemical concern, Arkema combines three strategically related, integrated businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals and Performance Products. With operations in more than 40 countries and 18,400 employees, the company reported revenue of €5.7 billion in 2005. Leveraging six research centers in France, the United States and Japan and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in each of its principal markets.

Arkema is present in the United States through its subsidiary Arkema Inc., headquartered in Philadelphia. Arkema Inc. employs 2,500 people, operates 16 production facilities, and accounts for 25% of global revenues.

                                              www.arkema-inc.com