After an extensive due diligence process, in which numerous fuel cell and other research laboratories were interviewed and considered, IEP determined that Battelle presented the ideal mix of laboratory, scientific and engineering expertise. We were particularly impressed with their background and strengths in the areas of fuel cell development, geothermic modeling and reservoir analysis needed to support IEP’s GFC™ application, with initial emphasis for use in this country’s vast oil shale resources,” said Alan K. Forbes, IEP’s founder and CEO.

Forbes explained how the GFC™ method works. “GFCs™ represent a breakthrough approach for unconventional oil recovery. GFCs™ utilize high temperature solid oxide fuel cells to slowly heat the oil shale formation in an ‘in-situ’ manner. The heat travels through the rock, pressurizing the underground formation, lowering the viscosity of the oil in the shale, while creating ‘off-gases’ of high quality. Both the oil and gases are moved into collector wells, where they are extracted by conventional means.”

“The compelling innovation of the GFC™ system” continued Forbes “is that it is designed to run off the gases that are derived from the heated oil shale formation itself. By using a portion of the gases generated during the process as its fuel, a GFC™ system thus becomes self-fueling. It also produces electricity as a by-product. As a result, IEP’s technology simply offers a better net energy balance than other unconventional oil recovery methods. In addition, this is all accomplished without the major environmental impacts associated with oil shale mining or surface retorting alternatives.”

Battelle and PNNL have taken a leadership role in solid oxide fuel cell development by virtue of their substantial contributions, among others, to the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) with the ultimate goal of bringing low-cost solid oxide fuel cells to the market place. SECA is a collaborative alliance between several major federal labs, including PNNL, Battelle, U.S. industry, universities and other research organizations.

The uniqueness of the GFC™ method is that it utilizes solid oxide fuel cell technology designed for its heat, with the electricity being a by-product. Unlike all other fuel cell applications, where the heat is considered “waste” that must be mitigated or managed, IEP’s GFC™ approach embraces the heat. Forbes concluded by noting: “Nearly every BTU of energy that goes into the GFC™ comes out as either heat or electricity, both of which can be put to immediate use. The end products -- shale oil, natural gas and electricity -- can all be used on site or sold into national energy markets. Nothing goes to waste.”

Forbes encouraged those with interests in oil shale development – landowners, strategic parties, and prospective investors – to contact IEP to discuss possible relationships of mutual benefit.

About Independent Energy Partners

Based in Denver, Colorado, Independent Energy Partners, Inc. is an energy project and technology development company. Founded in 1991, IEP has been involved in the development of over 15 energy projects employing a wide range of technologies. Since 2002, IEP has focused on the development of its Geothermic Fuel Cell™ method for production of oil and gas from unconventional resources such as oil shale. IEP has received broad patent protection on its GFC™ method, both in the US and Canada, and now holds rights to oil and gas production on privately held shale resource lands in Western Colorado containing more than 1.5 billion barrels of oil.

Additional information on IEP can be found at www.iepm.com, or obtained by contacting the company:

Alan K. Forbes, President
Independent Energy Partners, Inc.
9800 Mount Pyramid Court, Suite 400
Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: (303) 792 0055
Email:aforbes@iepm.com