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AFC Energy PLC

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FY2009 Annual Report · AFC Energy PLC
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Report & Accounts 
for the year ended 31 October 2009

Alkaline fuel cell systems 
for clean electricity

Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 October 2009

AFC Energy develops low-cost alkaline fuel cell 
systems that use hydrogen to produce clean electricity. 

AFC Energy’s fuel cell systems are developed with commercial viability as the key driver and 
in this regard we have re-engineered proven alkaline fuel cell technology:

•	 High	efficiency	levels. Using readily available hydrogen and air as the source 

of oxygen, electrical efficiency is up to 60% which compares to around 30% for 
conventional electricity generating technology.

•	 Low	cost	materials. Electrodes are made from proprietary materials that cost less than 

5% of platinum electrodes.

•	 Low	temperature	and	pressure.	Operating at less than 100 degrees centigrade 

enables us to use plastic mouldings for many parts.

•	 Hydrogen	sealing.	By using low pressures, hydrogen is easily sealed within the system.

•	 Thermal	management.	By using a circulating liquid electrolyte, we prevent excessive 

heat build up at the electrodes.

•	 Balance	of	plant.	The majority of components are off-the shelf and mass 

manufactured for other uses enabling us to benefit from these economies of scale.

•	 Value	engineered	for	assembly.	The component count has significantly reduced and 

commercial units are designed for easy assembly.

AFC Energy has significantly reduced the cost of its technology to make its fuel cell 
systems a commercially compelling product.

Contents

•	

About AFC Energy 

PlC 1

•	

Chairman’s Statement 

•	

Operating and Financial Review 

•	

Directors’ Report 

•	

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

•	

Independent Auditors’ Report 

•	

Income Statement 

•	

Balance Sheet 

•	

Cash Flow Statement 

•	

Statement of Changes in Equity 

•	

Notes forming part  
of the Financial Statements 

•	

Notice of Annual General Meeting 

•	

Form of Proxy 

•	

Directors, Company Secretary  
and Advisers 

2

4

8

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

34

IBC

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

About AFC Energy plc

Operational and financial highlights 

•	 Successful	trial	of	initial	Alpha	fuel	cell	system	at	AkzoNobel	in	April	2009

•	 Second	chlor-alkali	partnership	signed	with	Ineos	ChlorVinyls

•	 Significant	progress	in	both	electrode	specification	and	system	design

•	 5	further	patents	applied	for

•	 Technical	and	management	team	strengthened	to	support	anticipated	growth

•	 Operating	costs	further	reduced

Since the period end

•	 £2.2	million	raised	through	share	placing	and	option/warrant	conversions

•	 Cash	balance,	at	end	February	2010	of	£3.19	million

•	 Heads	of	Agreement	signed	with	Linc	Energy	to	exploit	underground	coal	gasification

•	 SuperGreen	Power	Station	project	initiated	with	WSP	Group	plc,	CEL	International	and	

Air	Products	as	confirmed	partners

•	 Agreement	with	Centrica	plc	for	reservation	of	future	capacity

Ian Balchin, CEO commented, 

Our	objective	is	to	develop	and	commercialise	an	alkaline	fuel	cell	system	for	the	21st	
century	at	a	significantly	lower	cost	than	any	other	fuel	cell	system.	We	have	made	
considerable	technical	progress	this	year	and	have	deepened	and	widened	our	commercial	
relationships	with	key	partners.	Our	Alpha	system	fuel	cell	will	be	further	tested	by	both	
AkzoNobel	and	Linc	Energy	during	2010	and	we	remain	on	track	to	deliver	our	first	50kW	
unit	in	2011.

Tim Yeo, Chairman added,

I	am	delighted	that	the	new	management	team	has	accelerated	the	technical	and	
commercial	development	of	the	Company	beyond	R&D	and	towards	revenue.	I	firmly	
believe	that	AFC	Energy	is	now	fully	equipped	to	prioritise	and	develop	its	many	
commercial	partnerships	during	its	next	phase.

1

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Chairman’s Statement

The	Company	remains	focused	on	its	goal	of	developing	fuel	
cells	for	industrial	companies	to	generate	electricity	from	the	
hydrogen	that	they	produce	as	a	by-product.

Introduction
It	is	a	pleasure	to	report	the	Company’s	substantial	
progress	during	the	year	to	31	October	2009.	We	have	
delivered	a	fuel	cell	system	to	our	first	commercial	
customer,	AkzoNobel,	and	have	built	on	that	strong	
foundation	with	a	range	of	additional,	world	class	
partnerships.	These	include,	INEOS	ChlorVinyls	and,	
Waste2Tricity	Ltd	(which	has	entered	into	a	relationship	
with	Alter	NRG	Westinghouse).	Since	the	end	of	
the	financial	year,	progress	has	accelerated	further	
and	commercial	relationships	have	been	formed	
with	Centrica,	WSP	Environment	and	Energy,	CEL	
International,	Air	Products,	Linc	Energy	and	B9	Coal.

During	the	year	the	Company’s	technical	progress	
accelerated	significantly	and	was	validated	by	the	
second	independent	review	of	AFC’s	technology	by	the	
Centre	for	Process	Innovation	(CPI)	which	we	reported	in	
November	2009.	We	delivered	an	Alpha	fuel	cell	system	
to	AkzoNobel’s	Bitterfeld	site	(chlor-alkali)	in	Germany	in	
April	2009.	Following	installation,	integration	and	load	
cycling	tests,	the	first	electricity	was	exported	from	this	
system	to	AkzoNobel’s	local	grid	during	tests	in	June.

Strategy
The	Company	remains	committed	to	developing	and	
commercialising	low	cost	alkaline	fuel	cell	systems	that	
generate	clean	electricity	from	hydrogen	feedstocks	
that	are	widely	available	directly	or	indirectly,	from	many	
different	sources.	

The	Company	is	addressing	the	chlor-alkali	industry	
directly	and	will	work	with	partner	organisations	to	
access	additional	markets.	The	Letter	of	Intent	signed	 
by	the	Company	in	August	with	INEOS	ChlorVinyls	
achieves	the	goal	set	out	in	last	year’s	report	to	seek	
additional	customers	from	within	the	chlorine	and	
chlorate	industries.

The	Company	expects	that,	following	an	initial	period	
of	direct	sales,	it	will	move	to	a	business	model	where	it	
supplies	fuel	cell	systems	under	an	ESCO	(Energy	Supply	
Contract),	a	well	established	model	which	enables	us	
to	participate	in	a	share	of	the	revenue	generated	by	
our	fuel	cell	systems	rather	than	from	the	sale	of	capital	
equipment.	This	mechanism	has	the	potential	to	enable	
a	faster,	more	profitable	roll	out	of	the	technology.

Partnerships
In	February	2009	the	Company	formalised	its	agreement	
with	Waste2Tricity	Ltd	for	municipal	energy	from	waste	
applications.	Waste2Tricty	is	currently	working	with	
waste	gasification	operator,	Alter	NRG	Westinghouse.	

Since	the	year	end	the	Company	has	become	more	
closely	involved	in	the	Underground	Coal	Gasification	
(‘UCG’)	sector,	recognising	it	as	the	largest	potential	
market	that	we	have	yet	reported	on	for	our	low	cost	
fuel	cell	technology.	On	8th	December	2009,	AFC	signed	
a	binding	Heads	of	Agreement	with	B9	Coal	Limited	
and	Linc	Energy	Limited	(ASX:	LNC),	Australia’s	leader	in	
clean	coal	technology.	Since	then	we	have	configured	
and	assembled	an	Alpha	fuel	cell	system	which	is	now	
ready	for	shipping	to	an	operational	UCG	plant	in	
Chinchilla,	Australia,	and	for	which	our	first	payment	
has	been	received.

B9	Coal	Limited	also	has	an	agreement	with	UCG	
developer,	Thornton	New	Energy,	who	have	rights	to	 
a	major	coal	field	under	the	Firth	of	Forth	in	Scotland.

The	Company	has	also	initiated	its	SuperGreen	Power	
Station	demonstrator	project.	This	initiative	will	
commence	with	the	demonstration	of	a	50kW	fuel	cell	
system	and,	subject	to	commercial	support,	it	will	lead	
to	a	1MW	power	station	demonstrator.

Finance
During	the	year	the	Company	has	continued	to	
implement	a	tight	control	on	its	operating	expenditure	
whilst	making	modest	investments	in	capital	equipment	
and	processes	to	reduce	the	overall	development	cost	
and	timescale.	Operating	costs	during	the	six	months	
to	31	October	2009	were	£160k	on	average,	compared	
with	£250k	on	average	for	the	same	period	of	the	
previous	year.	

A	successful	share	placing	was	completed	in	December	
2009,	raising	£2	million	after	expenses.	We	received	
strong	support	from	our	existing	institutional	
shareholder	base	and	welcomed	new	institutional	and	
private	investors.	We	remain	grateful	for	the	continued	
support	of	all	our	shareholders.

2

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Operating Framework
Concerns	about	the	high	level	of	greenhouse	gas	
emissions	from	traditional	methods	of	electricity	
generation	are	increasing	world	wide.	In	the	United	
States	the	Obama	administration	is	addressing	this	issue	
far	more	urgently	than	its	predecessor.	In	Europe	efforts	
to	develop	low	carbon	methods	of	producing	electricity	
are	intensifying.	In	Asia	similar	work	is	under	way.

This	is	an	extremely	favourable	background	for	the	
Company’s	operations.	Financial	incentives	for	the	use	of	
our	technology	are	likely	to	increase.	Customers,	actual	
and	potential,	are	becoming	more	concerned	about	their	
carbon	footprints	as	these	come	under	closer	scrutiny	
from	governments,	regulators,	other	businesses	and	the	
general	public.

The	Company	is	therefore	well	placed	to	contribute	to	
the	global	shift	to	lower	carbon	technology.

Management and Board
During	the	year,	we	have	reshaped	the	team	working	
within	the	Company	to	match	its	objectives.	In	
particular,	we	have	made	senior	appointments	in	
materials,	modelling	and	production	management.	It	is	
the	intention	of	the	Board	to	ensure	that	all	staff	receive	
share	options	in	the	Company	to	help	ensure	that	the	
objectives	of	individuals	are	aligned	with	those	of	the	
Company	and	also	to	reward	the	value	that	is	created.

Ian	Balchin	joined	the	Company	during	October	2008	as	
part	time	Managing	Director.	I	am	pleased	that	following	
his	considerable	efforts	and	positive	contribution	to	the	
Company’s	progress	he	was	appointed	to	the	Board	as	
Chief	Executive	Officer	during	November	2009.	

Dr	Gene	Lewis,	who	was	originally	recruited	to	the	
Company	at	the	end	of	2008	as	Chief	Technical	Officer,	
was	appointed	to	the	Board	as	Technical	Director	in	
July	2009.	He	has	demonstrated	significant	technical	
achievements	and	under	his	leadership	the	Company’s	
technical	programme	is	now	back	on	track.

David	Marson	was	appointed	to	the	Board	as	Finance	
Director	in	July	2009	having	commenced	work	with	the	
Company	in	November	2008.	He	has	used	his	

considerable	experience	to	implement	best	practice	and	
quality	procedures	which	have	significantly	improved	the	
Company’s	financial	performance.	

During	the	year	Harry	Epstein	stepped	down	as	a	Non-
Executive	Director	although	he	continues	to	be	available	
to	provide	advice	to	the	Company	on	supply	chain	
matters	and	commercial	opportunities.	Mike	Mangan,	
who	has	served	as	a	Non-Executive	Director	since	before	
the	Company’s	admission	to	AIM	will	be	retiring	from	
the	Board	in	May	2010	although	his	technical	skills	will	
still	be	available	to	the	Company	as	required.	

Additionally	Terry	Walsh	who	has	served	as	the	
Company’s	Commercial	Director	will	leave	the	 
board	with	effect	from	today	to	focus	on	the	 
chlor-alkali	sector.

I	would	like	to	thank	all	three	of	these	for	their	hard	
work	and	help	in	bringing	the	Company	closer	to	
achieving	its	operating	goals.

Since	the	recruitment	of	Ian	Balchin,	Gene	Lewis	and	
David	Marson	I	am	delighted	that	their	commercial,	
operational	and	technical	skills	have	been	fully	
unleashed	to	accelerate	the	technical	and	commercial	
development	of	the	Company	beyond	R&D	and	
towards	revenue.	I	firmly	believe	that	AFC	is	now	fully	
equipped	to	prioritise	and	develop	its	many	commercial	
partnerships	during	its	next	phase.	I	look	forward	to	
reporting	on	this	next	year.

On	behalf	of	our	newly-strengthened	Board,	I	wish	to	
thank	all	the	Company’s	employees	for	their	continued	
efforts	on	behalf	of	shareholders,	customers	and,	
ultimately,	the	environment.

Tim Yeo
Chairman 
10	March	2010

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AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Operating and Financial Review

We	believe	that	the	successful	commercialisation	of	AFC	Energy’s	
fuel	cell	system	technology	will	be	as	important	to	a	hydrogen	
economy	in	the	21st	century	as	the	internal	combustion	engine	
was	to	the	petrochemical	industry	in	the	20th	century.

We	have	made	some	important	changes	to	our	technical	
team	to	further	strengthen	key	areas	such	as	materials,	
fluid	modelling,	value	engineering	and	manufacturing.

Our	development	facility	has	been	significantly	upgraded	
during	the	year	to	improve	the	quality,	quantity	and	
throughput	of	development	work.	Iterative	work	on	
catalyst	materials	can	now	proceed	around	thirty	times	
faster	than	it	was	at	the	start	of	the	reporting	period.	
We	now	have	the	capability	to	produce	up	to	1000	
electrodes	per	day,	depending	upon	the	exact	processing	
conditions.	Our	work	focuses	on	non-precious	metal	
catalysts	using	materials	which	can	be	less	than	5%	of	
the	cost	of	platinum.	

At	the	core	of	our	system	is	the	electrode	cartridge,	
comprised	of	a	stack	of	individual	electrochemical	cells.	
During	the	period	we	made	significant	progress	with	
electrode	materials	and	the	technology	for	collecting	
the	electrical	current	from	the	cells.	The	technical	
programme	is	continuous.	However,	we	periodically	
consolidate	our	developments	into	a	new	generation	of	
electrodes	for	use	in	the	fuel	cell	system	tests.

Since	our	fuel	cell	system	is	designed	to	be	operated	at	
less	than	100	degrees	centigrade	we	are	able	to	choose	
from	many	low	cost	materials	for	its	construction.	This	
relatively	low	temperature	of	operation	means	that	we	
generate	water	rather	than	steam	as	a	by-product	of	the	
system	and	so	no	pressure	vessels	are	required.	This	also	
enables	us	to	keep	construction	costs	low.	

We	have	also	developed	a	low	cost	method	for	ensuring	
that	hydrogen	(the	smallest	molecule)	is	sealed	within	
the	fuel	cell	system.

Alpha Fuel Cell System
The	electrical	power	output	of	our	small	(less	than	a	
cubic	metre)	fuel	cell	system	depends	upon	the	number	
and	composition	of	the	electrodes	used.

Alpha	fuel	cell	systems	are	capable	of	automatic	
operation	and	remote	monitoring.	The	performance	
of	each	individual	cell	can	monitored	remotely	and	
maintenance	can	be	scheduled	to	be	carried	out	only	
when	required.

Introduction
Alkaline	fuel	cells	are	a	proven	technology	that	has	been	
around	for	decades.	AFC	Energy	is	now	developing	21st	
century	alkaline	fuel	cell	systems	for	generating	clean	
electricity	from	hydrogen.	

Our	principal	objective	is	to	re-engineer	alkaline	
fuel	cells	systems	so	that	they	are	significantly	more	
economic	than	any	other	fuel	cell	system.	This	will	
enable	widespread	adoption	in	a	number	of	large	
industries.	We	have	applied	modern	low-cost	materials	
and	processes,	as	well	as	computer	aided	design	and	
value	engineering	methodologies,	to	radically	reduce	
the	cost	of	manufacture,	operation	and	maintenance	
of	this	technology.	Our	projected	manufacturing	costs	
per	kilowatt	hour	of	installed	capacity	are	on	a	par	with	
conventional	electricity	generating	technology.

Our	initial	target	market	is	the	surplus	hydrogen	
generated	by	the	chlor-alkali	industry.	This	is	hydrogen	
that	currently	has	little	or	no	economic	value	and	is	ideal	
for	high-efficiency	conversion	into	electricity	and	water	
in	our	alkaline	fuel	cell	systems.	During	the	year	we	

Alpha fuel cell system

successfully	installed	and	tested	our	first	fuel	cell	system	
at	AkzoNobel’s	plant	in	Bitterfeld,	Germany.	

Technical Progress
AFC	Energy	has	made	significant	and	rapid	technical	
progress	under	the	leadership	of	its	Technical	Director,	 
Dr	Gene	Lewis.
IMAGE TO BE SUPPLIED

4

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

and	the	desire	to	minimise	the	carbon	footprint	in	
manufacturing	the	fuel	cell	systems.	A	large	proportion	
of	this	system	will	be	reusable	and/or	recyclable.

SuperGreen Power Station
This	initiative	will	showcase	our	fuel	cell	systems,	enable	
relationships	to	be	built	with	partner	organisations	and	
raise	the	profile	of	the	participating	companies	ahead	of	
commercial	roll	out.

Initially,	the	SuperGreen	Power	Station	will	demonstrate	
a	50kW	large	scale	fuel	cell	system	in	operation	close	
to	our	development	facility	in	Surrey,	UK.	To	date	
confirmed	partners	in	the	project	include	WSP	Energy	
and	Environment,	CEL	International	and	Air	Products.	
These	organisations	are	respectively	involved	in	 
planning	and	regulations,	engineering	and	gas	handling	
and	supply.

We	have	demonstrated	that	an	electrode	cartridge	can	
be	replaced	in	90	minutes.	This	is	the	elapsed	time	from	
stopping	a	working	Alpha	fuel	cell	system,	replacing	the	
cartridge	and	returning	it	to	operating	power	again.	

Large Scale Fuel Cell Systems
Feeding	on	the	results	from	the	Alpha	fuel	cell	 
system,	work	on	the	large-scale	fuel	cell	system	 
was	started	during	the	year	in	parallel	with	work	 
on	the	Alpha	fuel	cell	system.	It	is	this	larger	system	 
that	will	become	the	building	block	for	 
multi-megawatt	installations.

We	are	on	track	to	deliver	our	first	50kW	system	to	
AkzoNobel	during	2011.	We	will	use	sufficient	electrodes	
to	ensure	that	it	meets	the	power	specification.

The	emerging	design	of	the	large	scale	fuel	cell	system	
lends	itself	to	low	cost	mass	assembly.	Other	than	the	
possibility	that	we	will	manufacture	electrodes,	the	
assembly	of	fuel	cell	systems	will	be	carried	out	by	third	
parties.	This	should	enable	faster	roll	out	and	lower	
capital	expenditure	costs	for	the	Company.

The	design	has	also	taken	into	account	the	need	to	
minimise	the	time	taken	to	carry	out	maintenance	

Multi-megawatt SuperGreen power station (concept)

5

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Operating and Financial Review continued

Financial Highlights
During the early part of the year all aspects of the 
Company’s operations were reviewed. We were able to 
improve operational efficiency and reduce costs whilst 
still accelerating the technical development programme. 
As a result of the review, our operating cash costs 
(excluding changes in working capital) in the year to 
31 October 2009 were reduced to £1.9 million, 
compared with £2.6 million in the previous year.

A successful placing of 21,500,000 shares was 
completed in December 2009, raising £2 million after 
expenses and through which we have welcomed a 
number of new institutional and private investors. The 
Company received a further £167,000 in February 2010 
as a result of the exercise of options and warrants issued 
in February 2007 as part of a pre-IPO fund raising.

Intellectual Property
We regularly review the intellectual property generated 
by our technical programme and apply for patent 
protection for significant inventions.

Since reporting last year, the Company has submitted 5 
new patent applications covering inventions relating to 
low cost alkaline fuel cells.

Health and Safety
The health and safety of our employees and those we 
work with is regularly reviewed by and on behalf of  
the Board. 

Commercial Outlook
Within our chlor-alkali target market we have made 
significant progress over the year. In addition to our 
contract with AkzoNobel we have entered into a letter 
of intent with INEOS ChlorVinyls to develop a hydrogen 
fuel cell project at its manufacturing complex in 
Runcorn, Cheshire, UK. 

Whilst we anticipate selling the first few megawatts of 
power generating capacity, our intention is to move to 
an Energy Supply Company (ESCo) business model as 
soon as possible. Under the ESCo model, AFC Energy 
would obtain financing to build and supply fuel cell 
systems to a customer and then share the revenue 
generated by the installed equipment. Our financial 
modelling shows that there is a distinct benefit to the 
Company from doing this, especially as we expect, over 
time, that new generations of electrode cartridges will 
be increasingly lower cost per kilowatt hour of electricity 
generated and that we will be able to retrofit them to 
installed fuel cell systems. 

The models show that our electrode cartridges only 
need an operational life of a few months for our fuel 
cells systems to become economic and that payback can 
be achieved in around 2 years from sales of electricity 
generated. In some applications the demineralised water 
and heat produced by the fuel cell system will also have 
a considerable value. 

In summary, we believe that AFC Energy has the 
makings of a highly attractive commercial product.

To access other markets the Company will continue 
working with and though third parties. In this way we 
intend to harness the expertise and resources available 
from partner companies to accelerate the timescales  
for reaching new markets whilst improving the 
likelihood of success and minimising the distraction  
this causes the Company.

The second market opportunity that we have developed 
is with Waste2Tricity Limited, a company focused on 
the efficient conversion of municipal solid waste into 
electricity. During the year it has formed strategic 
relationships with AlterNRG Westinghouse and 
others. It is currently in the process of raising funds 
for the next phase of its commercial development. If 
successful, Waste2Tricity will purchase an exclusive 
UK licence for the Company’s fuel cell technology for 
use in the conversion of waste into electricity. Whilst, 
this has taken slightly longer than originally envisaged, 
it is currently in discussions regarding some major 
commercial opportunities which have potential to 
generate revenue for the Company.

6

 
The third market opportunity is Underground Coal 
Gasification (UCG). We have also entered into contract 
a with B9 Coal Limited and Linc Energy (ASX:LNC). Linc 
Energy is a leader in the development of converting 
underground coal into synthetic gas for processing into 
diesel and/or electrical power. Linc Energy plans to install 
hundreds of megawatts of generating capacity over the 
next few years.

The carbon dioxide produced from power generation 
is relatively easy to capture and has the prospect of 
being pumped back underground to be stored in the 
caverns created when the coal is burnt out – offering 
the tantalising prospect of clean power from coal. Under 
the £200,000 contract, we are supplying Linc Energy 
with an Alpha fuel cell system for testing with hydrogen 
produced from the underground coal gasification 
process. Under the agreement, Linc Energy also has the 
option to buy up to £2.3 million of new shares in the 
Company before the end of 2011.

Elsewhere, as commercial momentum builds we have 
begun to take orders reserving future production 
capacity. The first order in this regard is from Centrica 
plc for 250kW of capacity for use with a flagship 
project. We are also in discussions with many other 
global organisations about developing future markets.

I look forward to reporting our continued progress 
towards commercialisation and thank all those working 
for and with the Company for their support.

Ian Balchin
Chief Executive Officer 
10 March 2010

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

7

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended  
31 October 2009. The comparative period was from 1 November 2007 to 31 October 2008.

Principal activity and review of business developments
The principal activity of AFC Energy plc (or ‘the Company’) was the development of fuel cells.

Reviews of operations, business developments and current projects are included in the Chairman’s Statement and the 
Operating and Financial Review.

Results and dividend
The results for the year are set out in the income statement on page 15 

No dividends were paid in the year. The Directors do not intend to declare a dividend in respect of the year.

Principal risks and uncertainties
The major risk faced by the business relates to the technical progress in development of the fuel cell system and 
the fulfilment of contractual obligations with AkzoNobel. Financial risks include the risk of additional development 
expenditure being required to produce a commercial product. The Company’s approach to the management of these 
risks is described in the Operating and Financial Review.

Key performance indicators
Given the nature of the business and that the Company is in the development phase of its products, the Directors 
are of the opinion that analysis using financial KPIs is not appropriate for an understanding of the development, 
performance or position of the business at this time. However, the Directors constantly review overall expenditure 
compared to budget and the Company’s cash position.

2009
£

2008
£

1,868,601

3,610,204

Cash and cash equivalents at the year end

Directors and their interests
The Directors who served during the year were:

Tim Yeo   

Simon Walters 

David Marson  

Otto Carlisle 

Gene Lewis 

Terry Walsh 

Chairman 

Finance Director (resigned 2 July 2009)

Finance Director (appointed 2 July 2009)

Technical Director (resigned 29 January 2009)

Technical Director (appointed 2 July 2009)

Commercial Director (appointed 30 January 2009)

Dr Michael Mangan  

Non-Executive 

Harry Epstein 

Mitchell Field 

Gerard Sauer  

Non-Executive (resigned 2 July 2009)

Non-Executive 

Chief Executive Officer (resigned 19 December 2008)

8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

On 31 October 2009 the Directors’ interests in the equity share capital of the Company were:

Number of 
Ordinary shares 
of 0.1p 

Number of 
Ordinary shares 
of 0.1p 

2009

227,272

2008

227,272

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,097,845

2,097,845

Number of 
options and 
warrants over 
Ordinary  
shares of 0.1p 
2009

Number of 
options and 
warrants over 
Ordinary 
shares of 0.1p 
2008

2,617,490 

1,117,490

500,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

700,000

350,000

–

–

–

350,000

–

Tim Yeo MP

David Marson

Gene Lewis

Terry Walsh

Dr Michael Mangan

Mitchell Field

A Director appointed during or after the year must stand for re-appointment at the first Annual General Meeting 
after such appointment. Accordingly, Ian Balchin, David Marson and Gene Lewis offer themselves for re-appointment.

Directors’ remuneration 

Name

Tim Yeo MP

Simon Walters 

(see note 24)

David Marson

(see note 24)

Otto Carlisle

Gene Lewis

Terry Walsh

Dr Michael Mangan

Harry Epstein

Mitchell Field

Gerard Sauer

Salary 

£

45,000

–

Share-based 
payment 
expense 
£

4,147

–

Other 
compensation 

£

–

23,800

Total 
2009

£

49,147

23,800

Total 
2008

£

55,998

63,863

857

15,976

16,833

–

21,250

25,000

78,000

20,000

–

–

–

2,064

1,773

2,666

968

–

968

14,942

42,6481

129

–

–

–

–

–

65,962

26,902

80,666

20,968

–

968

90,200

–

–

30,724

20,000

–

14,942

306,577

1 Includes compensation for loss of office. See Note 22

9

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Directors’ Report continued

Directors’ service contracts 
Tim Yeo was appointed as Chairman and Non-Executive Director under the terms of a Non-Executive letter dated  
20 February 2007 for an indefinite term, subject to a minimum of six months’ notice.

David Marson entered into a consultancy agreement with the Company on 1 November 2008, subject to one 
months’ notice by either party (see also note 24).

Gene Lewis’ service contract with the Company commenced on 1 November 2008 for an indefinite term, subject to 
six months’ notice by either party.

Terry Walsh service contract with the Company commenced on 23 July 2008 for an indefinite term, subject to three 
months’ notice by either party.

Dr Michael Mangan’s services as a Non-Executive Director are provided under the terms of a Non-Executive letter of 
appointment dated 14 December 2006 for an indefinite term, subject to a minimum of six months’ notice.

Mitchell Field was elected as a Non-Executive Director at the Company’s AGM on 10 April 2008.

Board changes
Details of changes to the membership of the Board are disclosed in note 22 to the financial statements.

Capital structure
Details of the Company’s share capital are disclosed in notes 16 and 17 of the financial statements.

Shareholder funds have been used to develop the alpha fuel cell system, to undertake testing of the system and to 
design the 50kW system that will become the Company’s initial commercial product.

On 10 March 2010, the Company was aware of the following holdings of three per cent or more in the Company’s 
issued share capital:

Age of Reason Foundation
Chase Nominees Ltd
Eturab Trade Corporation
Harry Epstein
Giltspur Nominees Ltd

Number of 
shares

22,602,420
10,248,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
5,395,260

Approximate 
percentage of 
the Company’s 
issued share 
capital
14.98
6.79
5.30
4.64
3.58

Political and charitable donations
Charitable donations in the year amounted to £ nil (2008: £300).

Corporate governance
The Directors seek, as far as is considered appropriate having regard to the size and nature of activities of the 
Company, to comply with the Combined Code on Corporate Governance applicable to listed companies. The Board 
is assisted in this regard by a number of committees with delegated authority.

10

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

The Company’s organisational structure has clearly documented and communicated levels of responsibility, delegated 
authority and reporting procedures. The professionalism and competence of employees is maintained through 
recruitment, performance appraisal, written job descriptions and personal training and development plans. The Board 
supports the highest levels of commitment and integrity from employees. Expected standards of behaviour are set 
out in the Staff Handbook, a copy of which is given to all employees.

Audit Committee
The Company’s Audit Committee comprises Tim Yeo, Michael Mangan and Mitchell Field. The Committee meets 
at least twice a year and at any other time when it is appropriate to discuss audit, accounting or control issues. The 
Committee will meet the external Auditors, without executive Board members being present, to review accounting 
and internal control matters. 

The Committee’s principal objectives are to review annual and interim financial statements; to review accounting 
policies; to review with management and the Company’s external Auditors the effectiveness of internal controls; to 
oversee the publication of reserve and resource statements to ensure compliance with best practice under the new 
AIM rules; and to review with the Company’s external Auditors the scope and results of their audit. Tim Yeo chairs 
the Audit Committee.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee’s members are Tim Yeo, Michael Mangan and Mitchell Field who review the 
performance of the Executive Directors and set the scale and structure of their remuneration and the basis of their 
service agreements. In determining remuneration, the Committee seeks to enable the Company to attract and retain 
executives of the highest calibre. The Committee also makes recommendations to the Board concerning allocation of 
share options to employees. No Directors participate in discussions or decisions concerning their own remuneration. 
This Committee is also responsible for nominating candidates, for the approval of the Board, to fill either executive or 
Non-Executive vacancies or additional appointments to the Board.

Details of the Directors’ remuneration, service agreements and their interests in the share capital of the Company are 
disclosed in the Directors’ Report. 

AIM Rules Compliance Committee
The AIM Rules Compliance Committee comprises Tim Yeo, Michael Mangan and Mitchell Field and meets as 
appropriate. The Committee monitors internal procedures, resources and controls to enable the Company to comply 
with AIM rules.

Payments to creditors
The Company’s policy is to settle the terms of payment with its suppliers when agreeing the terms of each 
transaction, either by accepting the suppliers’ terms or by making the suppliers aware of alternative terms, and to 
abide by the agreed terms. Trade creditors of the Company at 31 October 2009 represented 57 days (2008: 50 days) 
of annual purchases.

Liability insurance for company officers
The Company has in place a Directors’ and Officers’ insurance policy.

Financial risk management objectives
These are detailed in note 20 to the financial statements. 

Research and development
The company invests substantially in research and development and makes claims under the Government’s R&D tax 
credit scheme. In the year to 31 October 2009, relevant expenditure totalled £932,085 (2008: £1,288,107).

11

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Directors’ Report continued

Going concern
The Company raised £2,000,000, after expenses in December 2009. The Directors are satisfied that for the 
foreseeable future, the monthly cash requirement to meet the development programme agreed with major 
customers, including AkzoNobel, will not be significantly greater than that incurred in the year to October 2009. 
They expect the Company to receive modest cash receipts from exercise of maturing options and warrants and from 
small numbers of sales of development systems. Therefore, the Directors are satisfied that the Company has sufficient 
resources to continue its operations and to meet its commitments for the foreseeable future.

Post-balance sheet events
Details of post-balance sheet events are provided in note 22 to the financial statements.

Relations with shareholders
The Board attaches great importance to maintaining good relationships with shareholders. The Board regards the 
Annual General Meeting as an opportunity to communicate directly with investors, who are encouraged to attend 
and participate.

AGM notice
Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company for 2009 is on page 34.

Auditors
A resolution to re-appoint the Auditors of the Company, Jeffreys Henry LLP, will be proposed at the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting. Jeffreys Henry LLP have expressed their willingness to continue as Auditors of the Company.

This report was approved by the Board of Directors on 10 March 2010.

David Marson 
Company Secretary

12

 
AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable 
law and International Financial Reporting Standards.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial period. Under that law the 
Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted for use in the European Union. The financial statements are required by law to give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing 
those financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•	 select	suitable	accounting	policies	and	then	apply	them	consistently;

•	 make	judgements	and	estimates	that	are	reasonable	and	prudent;

•	 state	whether	applicable	accounting	standards	have	been	followed,	subject	to	any	material	departures	disclosed	

and explained in the financial statements; and

•	 prepare	the	financial	statements	on	the	going	concern	basis	unless	it	is	inappropriate	to	presume	that	the	

Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any 
time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the 
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the company’s website (www.afcenergy.com) and 
legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Statement of disclosure to auditor
So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s Auditors are 
unaware, and each Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as Director in order to make himself 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s Auditors are aware of that information.

13

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Independent Auditors’ Report to the 
shareholders of AFC Energy plc

We have audited the financial statements of AFC Energy plc for the year ended 31October 2009 which comprise 
the Income Statement, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flow, the Statement of Changes in Equity and the 
related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 13, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our 
responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical 
Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in 
accordance with Sections 495 to 497 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this 
opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown 
or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to 
give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by 
fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company’s 
circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant 
accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the financial statements:

 •

 give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 October 2009; 

 •

have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and

 •

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:

 •

 the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared 
is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

 •

 adequate accounting records have not been kept, or

 •

 the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 •

certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 •

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

 Mark Tenzer 

(Senior statutory auditor) Date 10 March 2010

for and on behalf of Jeffreys Henry LLP, Statutory Auditor 
Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors 
Finsgate, 5-7 Cranwood Street, London, EC1V 9EE

14

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Year ended 
31 October 
2009 
£

Year ended 
31 October 
2008 
£

Note

–

–

–

4,664

–

–

–

–

(2,345,651)

(3,110,515)

(2,280,731)

(2,863,177)

(64,920)

(247,338)

(2,340,987)

(3,110,515)

67,890

(26,651)

150,320

–

(2,299,748)

(2,960,195)

219,220

308,427

(2,080,528)

(2,651,768)

(1.63)p

(1.63)p

(2.51)p

(2.51)p

17c

5

8

9a

10

11

11

Income Statement

Revenue

Direct expenses

Gross profit/(loss)

Other income

Administrative expenses

Analysed as:

Administrative expenses

Equity-settled share-based payments

Operating loss

Financial income

Share of loss of Associate

Loss before tax

Taxation

Loss for the year attributable to equity holders

Basic loss per share 

Diluted loss per share 

All amounts relate to continuing operations.

The notes on pages 19 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

15

 
  
AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Balance Sheet

Assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property and equipment

Trade and other receivables

Current assets

Work in progress

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Equity attributable to ordinary shareholders

Share capital

Share premium

Other reserve

Retained loss

Total equity

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

31 October
2009
£

31 October
2008
£

Note

12

13

9b

14

15

16b

308,525

270,069

124,849

703,443

123,740

307,644

1,868,601

2,299,985

307,852

504,458

–

812,310

123,740

592,055

3,610,204

4,325,999

3,003,428

5,138,309

127,683

8,940,379

602,308

127,683

8,940,379

537,388

(6,986,367)

(4,905,839)

2,684,003

4,699,611

18

319,425

319,425

438,698

438,698

Total equity and liabilities

3,003,428

5,138,309

The notes on pages 19 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 10 March 2010.

Tim Yeo 
Chairman  

David Marson
Finance Director

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Cash Flow Statement

31 October
2009
£

31 October
2008
£

Note

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss before tax for the year

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

Equity-settled share-based payment expenses

17c

Finance income

Share of loss of associate

Cash flows from operating activities before changes in 
working capital and provisions

Corporation tax received

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other payables

Cash absorbed by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of plant and equipment

Acquisitions of patents

Disposal of plant and equipment

Loans to Associates

Interest received

Net cash absorbed by investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from the issue of share capital 

Costs of issue of share capital

Net cash from financing activities

13

12

9a

8

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 October 

15

(2,299,748)

(2,960,195)

345,005 

64,920

(67,890)

26,651

293,473 

247,338

(150,320)

–

(1,931,062)

(2,569,704)

463,721

38,411

(119,273)

–

54,198

26,157

(1,548,203)

(2,489,349)

(105,192)

(18,820)

12,722

(150,000)

67,890

(193,400)

–

–

–

(1,741,603)

3,610,204

1,868,601

(308,829)

(25,478)

–

150,320

(183,987)

4,400,000

(244,810)

4155,190

1,481,854

2,128,350

3,610,204

17

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 October 2009

Balance at 1 November 2007

87,683

4,825,189

290,050

(2,254,071)

2,948,851

Share 
Capital 
£

Share 
Premium
£

Other 
Reserve 
£

Retained 
Loss 
£

Total 
Equity 
£

Loss after tax for the year

Total recognised in income and 
expense for the year

Issue of equity shares

Share issue expenses

Equity-settled share-based payments

–

–

–

–

40,000

4,360,000

(244,810)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2,651,768)

(2,651,768)

(2,651,768)

(2,651,768)

–

–

–

4,400,000

(244,810)

247,338

–

247,338

Balance at 31 October 2008 

127,683

8,940,379

537,388

(4,905,839)

4,699,611

Balance at 1 November 2008

127,683

8,940,379

537,388

(4,905,839)

4,699,611

Loss after tax for the year

Total recognised in income and 
expense for the year

Equity-settled share-based payments

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(2,080,528)

(2,080,528)

(2,080,528)

(2,080,528)

64,920

–

64,920

Balance at 31 October 2009 

127,683

8,940,379

602,308

(6,986,367)

2,684,003

Share capital is the amount subscribed for shares at nominal value.

Share premium represents the excess of the amount subscribed for share capital over the nominal value of these 
shares net of share issue expenses. 

Other reserve represents the credit to equity in respect of equity-settled share-based payments.

Retained earnings represent the cumulative loss of the Company attributable to equity shareholders.

18

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements

1.  Corporate information
AFC Energy plc (‘the Company’) is a public limited company incorporated in England & Wales and quoted on the 
Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. 

The address of its registered office is Finsgate, 5-7 Cranwood Street, London, EC1V 9EE.

2.  Basis of preparation and accounting policies
These consolidated financial statements of AFC Energy plc have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), International Accounting Standards (IASs) and International Financial Reporting 
Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations (collectively ‘IFRSs’) as adopted for use in the European Union 
and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 
applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The accounting policies set out below have, unless otherwise stated, been applied consistently in these  
financial statements.

Judgements made by the Directors in the application of these accounting policies that have significant effect on  
the financial statements and estimates with a significant risk of material adjustment in the next year are discussed  
in note 3.

a. Standards, amendments and interpretations to published standards not yet effective.

At the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements, the IASB and IFRIC have issued the following 
standards and interpretations which are effective for annual accounting periods beginning on or after the stated 
effective date. These standards and interpretations are not effective for and have not been applied in the preparation 
of these consolidated financial statements: 

– 

IAS 1: Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised 2008) (effective as of 1 January 2009).

– 

IAS 23: Borrowing Costs (Revised 2008) (effective as of 1 January 2009).

– 

IAS 27: Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (Amended) (effective as of 1 July 2009).

– 

IFRS 2: Share-Based Payments: Vesting conditions and Cancellations (Amended) (effective as of 1 January 2009).

– 

IFRS 3: Business Combinations (Revised) (effective as of 1 July 2009) includes an amendment to the treatment of 
minority interests (renamed non-controlling interests), amendments to the calculation of goodwill, a change to 
the method of accounting for acquisitions in stages, amendment to the accounting for contingent consideration 
and changes to the recognition and measurement of certain assets and liabilities.

– 

IFRS 8: Operating Segments (effective as of 1 January 2009).

– 

– 

IFRIC Interpretation 15: Agreements for the Construction of Real Estate (effective as of 1 January 2009 – not yet 
endorsed by the EU).

IFRIC Interpretation 17: Distributions of non-cash assets to owners (effective 1 July 2009, not yet endorsed by  
the EU).

– 

IFRIC Interpretation 18: Transfers of assets from customers (effective 1 July 2009, not yet endorsed by the EU).

–  Amendments to IAS32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS1 Presentation of Financial Statements – 
Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on Liquidation (effective for beginning on or after  
1 January 2009).

19

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements continued

2.  Basis of preparation and accounting policies continued 
–  Amendments to IFRS1 and IAS27 Cost of an Investment in a Subsidiary, Jointly Controlled Entity or Associate 

(effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2009).

–  Eligible Hedged Items (Amendment to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement). Entities shall 
apply the amendment retrospectively for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. This amendment is still 
to be endorsed by the EU.

The Directors anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations will not have a material impact 
on the Company’s financial statements in the period of initial adoption with the exception of IAS23: Borrowing 
Costs (Revised) which will require interest incurred in respect of long term development projects to be capitalised 
within the relevant project and of IFRS 3: Business Combinations (Revised), which will require transaction costs 
arising on business combinations to be expensed to the income statement as opposed to the existing treatment of 
capitalisation, in the event that acquisitions are undertaken. 

b. Capital Policy

The Company manages its equity as capital. Equity comprises the items detailed within the principal accounting 
policy for equity and financial details can be found in the balance sheet. The Company adheres to the capital 
maintenance requirements as set out in the Companies Act. 

c. Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the 
revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received, excluding 
discounts, rebates, and other sales taxes or duty. Revenue arising from the provision of services is recognised when 
and to the extent that the Company obtains the right to consideration in exchange for the performance of its 
contractual obligations. 

d. Development costs

Development expenditure does not meet the strict criteria for capitalisation under IAS 38 and has been recognised as 
an expense.

Prior year laboratory costs have been re-classified from direct expense to administrative expenses as they do not 
relate to revenue generating contracts.

e. Foreign currency

The financial statements of the Company are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in 
which it operates (the functional currency) which is pounds sterling. In accordance with IAS21, transactions entered 
into by the Company in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded at the rates ruling when the 
transactions occur. At each balance sheet date, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at 
the rates prevailing at the balance sheet date.

f. Work in Progress

Work in progress is valued at cost, less the cost of work invoiced on incomplete contracts and less foreseeable losses. 
Cost comprises purchase cost plus production overheads.

g. Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables arise principally through the provision by the Company of goods and services to 
customers (trade debtors). They also include other types of contractual monetary assets. These assets are initially 
recognised at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost less any provision for impairment. 

20

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

h. Loans and other receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in 
an active market. After initial measurement, loans and receivables are carried at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method less any allowance for impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the loans 
and receivables are derecognised or impaired, as well as through the amortisation process.

The Company’s loans and receivables include cash and cash equivalents. These include cash in hand, and deposits 
held at call with banks. 

i. Property and equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Where parts of an item of property and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate 
items of property and equipment. 

Leases in which the Company assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased asset 
are classified as finance leases. Leased assets acquired by way of finance lease are stated at an amount equal to 
the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, less 
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Depreciation is charged to the income statement within cost of sales and administrative expenses on a straight-line 
basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment. The estimated useful 
lives are as follows:

–  Leasehold improvements 

1 to 3 years

–  Fixtures, fittings and equipment 

1 to 3 years 

–  Vehicles 

3 to 4 years

Expenses incurred in respect of the maintenance and repair of property and equipment are charged against income 
when incurred. Refurbishment and improvement expenditure, where the benefit is expected to be long lasting, is 
capitalised as part of the appropriate asset.

The useful economic lives of property, plant and equipment and the carrying value of tangible fixed assets are 
assessed annually and any impairment is charged to the income statement.

j. Intangible assets

Expenditure on research activities is recognised in the income statement as an expense as incurred.

Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Company are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and 
impairment losses. 

Amortisation of intangible assets is charged using the straight-line method to administrative expenses over the 
following period:

Patents  20 years

k. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits with major banking institutions realisable within 
180 days. 

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements continued

2.  Basis of preparation and accounting policies continued
l. Other financial liabilities

The Company classifies its financial liabilities as:

Trade and other payables 

These are initially recognised at invoiced value. These arise principally from the receipt of goods and services. There is 
no material difference between the invoiced value and the value calculated on an amortised cost basis or fair value.

Deferred income

This is the carrying value of income received from a customer in respect of the order for five 3.5kW systems which 
has not been recognised in the Income Statement pending delivery to the customer. The carrying value is fair value.

m. Leases

Finance leases, which transfer to the Company substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the 
leased item, are capitalised at the inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the 
present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and 
reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. 
Finance charges are reflected in profit or loss. Capitalised leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the 
estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain 
ownership by the end of the lease term. Operating lease rentals are charged to income in equal annual amounts over 
the lease term.

n. Financial assets

All of the Company’s financial assets are loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial 
assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current 
assets at fair value and comprise trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents.

o. Share-based payment transactions

The Company awards share options and warrants to certain Directors and employees to acquire shares of 
the Company. The fair value of options and warrants granted is recognised as an employee expense with a 
corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during 
which the Directors and employees become unconditionally entitled to the options or warrants. The fair value of 
the options and warrants granted is measured using a binomial option valuation model, taking into account the 
terms and conditions upon which the options and warrants were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is 
adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options and warrants that vest only where vesting is dependent upon 
the satisfaction of service and non-market vesting conditions or where the vesting periods themselves are amended 
by the introduction of new schemes and the absorption of earlier schemes by agreement between the Company and 
the relevant Directors and employees. Where options or warrants granted are cancelled, all future charges arising in 
respect of the grant are charged to the income statement on the date of cancellation. 

p. Provisions 

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that 
the Group will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s 
best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date and are 
discounted to present value where the effect is material.

q. Taxation

Tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

22

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Current tax is the expected tax payable or recoverable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted  
or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date together with any adjustment to tax payable in respect of  
previous years. 

Deferred tax assets are not recognised due to the uncertainty of the period over which they will be recovered.

3. Significant accounting estimates and judgements
Carrying values of property and equipment.

The Company monitors internal and external indicators of impairment relating to its property and equipment. 
Management has considered whether any indicators of impairment have arisen over certain assets relating to these 
assets. After assessing these, management has concluded that no impairment has arisen in respect of these assets 
during the year and subsequent to 31 October 2009.

Useful lives of intangible assets, and property and equipment

Intangible assets, and property and equipment are amortised or depreciated over their useful lives. Useful lives are 
based on the management’s estimates of the period that the assets will generate revenue, which are periodically 
reviewed for continued appropriateness. 

Income taxes and withholding taxes

The Company believes that its receivables for tax recoverable are adequate for all open audit years based on its 
assessment of many factors including past experience and interpretations of tax law. This assessment relies on 
estimates and assumptions and may involve a series of complex judgements about future events. To the extent that 
the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, such differences will impact income 
tax expense in the period in which such determination is made. 

Capitalisation of development expenditure

The Company uses the criteria of IAS38 to determine whether development expenditure should be capitalised. After 
assessing these, management has concluded it would not be appropriate to capitalise development expenditure 
incurred during the year ended 31 October 2009.

Share-based payments

Certain employees (including Directors and senior executives) of the Company receive remuneration in the form 
of share-based payment transactions, whereby employees render services as consideration for equity instruments 
(‘equity-settled transactions’). 

The fair value is determined by an external valuer using an appropriate pricing model. 

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the 
period in which the performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant 
employees become fully entitled to the award (‘the vesting date’). The cumulative expense recognised for equity-
settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has 
expired and the Company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The profit or 
loss charge or credit for a period represents the movement in cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and 
end of that period.

23

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements continued

3. Significant accounting estimates and judgements continued
No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional 
upon a market condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market condition is 
satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or service conditions are satisfied. Where the terms of an equity-
settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognised is the expense as if the terms had not been modified. 
An additional expense is recognised for any modification, which increases the total fair value of the share-based 
payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the employee as measured at the date of modification. Where an 
equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not yet 
recognised for the award is recognised immediately. However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled award, 
and designated as a replacement award on the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new awards are treated as if 
they were a modification of the original award, as described in the previous paragraph.

4. Segmental analysis
A segment is a distinguishable component of the Company that is engaged in providing products or services 
in a particular business sector (business segment) or in providing products or services in a particular economic 
environment (geographic segment), which is subject to risks and rewards that are different in those other segments. 
The Company operated in the year in one segment, the development of fuel cells, and in one principal geographic 
area, the United Kingdom, but conducted some system tests at AkzoNobel’s site in Bitterfeld, Germany.

5.  Operating loss (2008: loss) 

This has been stated after charging:

Depreciation of property and equipment

Research and Development expenditure

Amortisation of intangible assets 

Equity-settled share-based payment expense

Auditors’ remuneration – audit

Auditors’ remuneration – other services

6.  Staff numbers and costs, including Directors

The average number of employees in the year were:

Support, operations and technical

Administration

The aggregate payroll costs for these persons were:

Wages and salaries (including Directors’ emoluments)

Social security

Equity – settled share-based payment expense

24

Year ended 
31 October 
2009
£

326,858

932,085

18,147

64,920

17,500

7,330

Year ended 
31 October 
2008
£

276,972

1,288,107

16,500

247,338

18,000

3,965

Year ended 
31 October 
2009
Number

Year ended 
31 October 
2008
Number

20

4

24

£

22

4

26

£

1,013,576

1,137,699

112,532

57,843

103,703

198,397

1,183,951

1,439,799

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

7.  Directors’ remuneration

Wages and salaries
Social security
Equity-settled share-based payment expense
Other compensation (see note 21 & 22)

The emoluments of the Chairman were:

The emoluments of the highest-paid Director were:

Year ended 
31 October 
2009
£
189,250
15,904
28,385
82,553
316,092

49,147

80,666

Year ended 
31 October 
2008
£
296,250
28,067
135,321
166,516
626,154

55,998

306,577

The remuneration, details of share options and interests in the Company’s shares of each Director is shown in the 
Directors’ Report on pages 8 to 12.

8.  Financial income

Bank interest receivable
Loan interest receivable 
Total interest receivable

Year ended 
31 October 
2009
£
66,390
1,500
67,890

Year ended 
31 October 
2008
£
150,320
–
150,320

9a.  Investment in Associate
The Company acquired 25% of the share capital of Waste2Tricity Ltd (W2T) on 17 June 2009 for £2,500 by 
converting £2,500 of the £150,000 loan provided to W2T under an agreement of February 2009. The balance of  
the loan is repayable in full by 31 December 2010 and accrues interest at 0.5% above base rate. The loan is shown  
in Trade and Other Receivable due after more than 1 year.  

The Company’s share of the results of its associate was as follows:

Revenue 
Profit/(loss) 
Assets
Liabilities

Year ended 31 October 2009
–
(26,651)
7,236
18,685

The Company share of W2T losses if the shareholding had been acquired at 1 November 2008 would have  
been £51,449.

9b.  Loan to Associate

Loan to W2T, including accrued interest 
Share of W2T losses after write off of investment
Loan at 31 October 2009

Year ended 
31 October 
2009
£
149,000
(24,151)
124,849

Year ended 
31 October 
2008
£
–
–
–

25

 
AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements continued

10.  Taxation

Recognised in the income statement
Research and development tax credit – current year
Research and development tax credit – prior year adjustment
Total tax credit

Reconciliation of effective tax rates

Year ended 
31 October 
2009
£
228,361
(9,141)
219,220

Year ended 
31 October 
2008
£
301,942
6,485
308,427

Loss before tax
Tax using the domestic rate of corporation tax of 28% (2008: 30%)

(2,299,748)
643,929

(2,960,195)
888,058

Effect of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Research and development allowance
Research and development tax credit
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances
Losses surrendered for research and development
Other adjustments
Unutilised losses carried forward
Total tax credit for the year

26,037
(195,318)
228,361
58,536
399,631
–
355,043
228,361

76,295
(217,214)
301,942
23,174
592,164
4,060
409,579
301,942

11.  Loss per share
The calculation of the basic loss per share is based upon the net loss after tax attributable to ordinary shareholders of 
£2,651,768 (2008: loss of £2,651,768) and a weighted average number of shares in issue for the year.

Basic loss per share (pence)

Diluted loss per share (pence)

Loss attributable to equity shareholders

Weighted average number of shares in issue

Diluted earnings per share 

Year ended 
31 October 
2009

Year ended 
31 October 
2008

(1.63)p

(1.63)p

(2.51)p

(2.51)p

(2,080,528)

(2,651,768)

Number

Number

127,682,854

105,545,868

The diluted loss per share is the same as the basic loss per share, as the loss for the year has an anti-dilutive effect.

26

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

2009
Patents
£

349,583

18,820

368,403

41,731

18,147

59,878

2008
Patents
£

324,105

25,478

349,583

25,231

16,500

41,731

308,525

307,852

Leasehold 
improvements 

£

126,592

20,400

–

146,992

3,160

–

150,152

50,175

43,970

–

94,145

49,113

–

143,258

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
equipment 
£

510,207

288,429

(61,000)

737,636

102,032

(133,289)

706,379

114,023

233,002

(61,000)

286,025

277,745

(120,566)

443,204

Total 

£

636,799

308,829

(61,000)

884,628

105,192

(133,289)

856,531

164,198

276,972

(61,000)

380,170

326,858

(120,566)

586,462

6,894

52,847

263,175

451,611

270,069

504,458

12.  Intangible assets   

Cost

Balance at 1 November 

Additions

Balance at 31 October

Amortisation

Balance at 1 November

Charge for the year

Balance at 31 October

Net book value

13.  Property and equipment  

Cost

At 1 November 2007

Additions

Disposals

At 31 October 2008

Additions

Disposals

At 31 October 2009

Depreciation

At 1 November 2007

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 October 2008 

Charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 October 2009 

Net book value

At 31 October 2009 

At 31 October 2008

There are no assets held under finance leases. No assets have been revalued.

27

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements continued

14.  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 

Other receivables

Prepayments

2009
£

4,579

254,195

48,870

307,644

2008
£

–

524,917

67,138

592,055

There were no trade and other receivables that were past due or considered to be impaired. The trade and other 
receivables balances are categorised as loans and other receivables. There is no significant difference between the 
fair-value of the trade and other receivables and the values stated above.

15.  Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at bank 

Bank deposits

2009
£

–

2008
£

–

1,868,601

1,868,601

3,610,204

3,610,204

Cash at bank and bank deposits consist of cash. There is no material foreign exchange movement in respect of cash 
and cash equivalents.

16a.  Authorised share capital 

Ordinary Shares of 0.1p

700,000,000

700,000,000

700,000

700,000

2009
Number

2008
Number

2009
£

2008
£

16b.  Issued share capital

At 1 November 2007
Issue of shares on 21 May 20081
At 31 October 2008 and 31 October 2009

Number
87,682,854
40,000,000
127,682,854

£
87,683
40,000
127,683

1 140,000,000 ordinary shares with a par value of 0.1p per share were issued at 11p per ordinary share by way of a 
placing to UK investors. Gross proceeds from the issue amounted to £4,400,000.

The Company considers its capital and reserves attributable to equity shareholders to be the Company’s capital. In 
managing its capital, the Company’s primary long-term objective is to provide a return for its equity shareholders 
through capital growth. Going forward the Company will seek to maintain a gearing ratio that balances risks 
and returns at an acceptable level and also to maintain a sufficient funding base to enable the Company to meet 
its working capital needs. The Company’s product development activities are at an early stage and management 
considers that no useful target debt to equity gearing ratio can be identified at this time.

Details of the Company’s capital are disclosed in the Company statement of changes in equity.

There have been no other significant changes to the Company’s management objectives, policies and processes in 
the year nor has there been any change in what the Company considers to be capital.

28

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

17a.  Share options 

At 1 November 2007

Options granted in the year

At 31 October 2008

Options granted in the year

Options lapsed in the year

At 31 October 2009

17b.  Warrants

At 1 November 2007 and 31 October 2008

Warrants granted in the year

At 31 October 2009

Number of 
options

Exercise price 
(p)

Weighted 
Average 
remaining 
contractual life

7,379,660

144,000

7,523,660

6,600,000

3,978,670

10,144,990

10-23

23

3.13

10-23

3.13-22

7.4 yrs

Number of 
warrants

Exercise price 
(p)

Weighted 
Average 
remaining 
contractual life

4,039,980

4,750,000

8,789,980

10-22

3.13

3.13-22

6.4 yrs

17c.  Equity-settled share-based payments charge
Share options

Option 
price

Average 
grant date 
share price

Average 
expected 
volatility

(p)
10
22
23

23

(p)
9
20
21

14

(pa)
46%
46%
46%

46%

3.13

3.13

113.8%

Average 
risk-free 
interest 
rate 
(pa)
4.4%
4.4%
4.4%

4.4%

4.4%

Average 
dividend 
yield

Average 
implied 
option life

Average 
fair value 
per option

(pa)
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

(years)
3.5
3.5
3.5

3.5

3

(p)
2.5
6
6

2

2

Adjustment for changes in assumptions in respect of vesting conditions

Total charge for the year (2008: £156,319)

Amount 
expensed 
in the 2009 
accounts 
£
15,478
15,536
1,849

323

18,246

–

51,432

29

 
 
 
 
 
AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements continued

17c.  Equity-settled share-based payments charge continued
Warrants 

Warrant 
price

Average 
grant date 
share price

Average 
expected 
volatility

(p)
10
22
3.13

(p)
20
20
3.13

(pa)
46%
46%
113.8%

Average 
risk-free 
interest 
rate
 (pa)
4.4%
4.4%
4.4%

Average 
dividend 
yield

(pa)
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%

Average 
implied
 warrant 
life
(years)
3.5
3.5
3

Average 
fair value 
per 
warrant 
(p)
10
6
2

Amount 
expensed 
in the 2009 
accounts 
£
3,440
(3,084)
13,132

Adjustment for changes in assumptions in respect of vesting conditions

Total charge for the year (2008 £91,019)
Total equity-settled share-based payment charge (2008: £247,338)                                               

–

13,488
64,920

Expected volatility has been based on the historical volatility of share price returns over one year to the date of grant 
of the options and warrants. Vesting requirements are one year and three years for the exercise of warrants and 
options respectively.

The fair value of services received in return for share options and other share-based incentives granted is measured by 
reference to the fair value of share options and incentives granted. This estimate is based on a Black-Scholes model 
which is considered most appropriate considering the effects of the vesting conditions, expected exercise period and 
the dividend policy of the Company.

18.  Trade and other payables

Trade payables 
Deferred income
Other payables
Accruals

19.  Operating lease commitments 

Non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Within one year

Between one and two years

The lease commitments relate to one vehicle.

2009 
£
133,875
123,740
31,723
30,087
319,425

2009 
£

7,200

3,600

10,800

2008 
£
151,511
123,740
38,461
124,986
438,698

2008 
£

42,846

–

42,846

20.  Financial instruments
In common with other businesses, the Company is exposed to risks that arise from its use of financial instruments. 
This note describes the Company’s objectives, policies and processes for managing those risks and the methods used 

30

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

to measure them. Further quantitative information in respect of these risks is presented throughout these financial 
statements. The significant accounting policies regarding financial instruments are disclosed in note 2 and the 
significant accounting estimates and judgements are set out in note 3. 

Principal financial instruments

The principal financial instruments used by the Company, from which financial instrument risk arises, are as follows:

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables > 1 yr

Trade and other payables

General objectives, policies and processes

2009 
£

307,644

1,868,601

124,849

319,425

2008 
£

592,055

3,610,204

–

438,698

The Board has overall responsibility for the determination of the Company’s risk management objectives and policies 
and, while retaining ultimate responsibility for them, it has delegated part of the authority for designing and 
operating processes that ensure the effective implementation of the objectives and policies to the Company’s finance 
team. The Board receives reports from financial team through which it reviews the effectiveness of the processes put 
in place and the appropriateness of the objectives and policies it sets.

The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce ongoing risk as far as possible without unduly 
affecting the Company’s competitiveness and flexibility. Further details regarding these policies are set out below:

Credit risk

Credit risk arises principally from the Company’s trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents. It is the 
risk that the counterparty fails to discharge its obligation in respect of the instrument. The maximum exposure to 
credit risk equals the carrying value of these items in the financial statements as shown below.

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables > 1 yr

2009 
£

307,644

1,868,601

124,849

2008 
£

592,055

3,610,204

–

The Company’s principal trade and other receivables arose from work in progress on the contract with AkzoNobel for 
which the company has already received payment (held as a payment in advance pending completion of the work). 
The Company’s principal trade and other receivables due in more than 1yr arose from a loan to W2T repayable in 
December 2010. The recoverability of all amounts shown is expected without material adjustment based on W2T 
projections of revenue arising from contracts under negotiation. Credit risk with cash and cash equivalents is reduced 
by placing funds with banks with acceptable credit ratings and government support where applicable.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk arises from the Company’s management of working capital and the amount of funding required for the 
development programme. It is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting its financial obligations 
as they fall due. The Company’s policy is to ensure that it will always have sufficient cash to allow it to meet its 
liabilities when they become due. The Company raised £2 million net of costs after 31 October 2009 to provide 
additional financial resources. 

The principal liabilities of the Company are trade and other payables in respect of the ongoing product development 
programme, Trade and other payables are all payable within 2 months with the exception of the payment in advance 
noted above. The Board receives cash flow projections on a regular basis as well as information on cash balances.

31

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements continued

20.  Financial instruments continued
Interest rate risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk in respect of surplus funds held on deposit.

Fair-value of financial liabilities 

Trade and other receivables

2009 
£

2008 
£

319,425

438,698

There is no difference between the fair-value and book-value of trade and other payables.

Currency risk

The Company does not currently enter into forward exchange contracts or otherwise hedge its potential foreign 
exchange exposure. The Board considers that this exposure is not material pending commercialisation of the 
Company’s products. The Board monitors and reviews its policies in respect of currency risk on a regular basis.  
At 31 October 2009 the Company held no monetary assets or liabilities in currencies other than the functional 
currency of the operating units involved (2008: £nil).

21. Capital commitments
The Company had no capital commitments outstanding at 31 October 2009. 

22. Board changes and post-balance sheet events
Gerard Sauer resigned as Chief Executive Officer on 13 October 2008, effective from 19 December 2008. On  
30 January 2009, Terry Walsh was appointed as Commercial Director. On 29 January 2009, Otto Carlisle left 
the Company and ceased to be a Director. He was paid £42,500 in full and final settlement of all contractual 
entitlements. On 2 July 2009, Simon Walters resigned as Finance director. On the same day David Marson was 
appointed as Finance Director and Gene Lewis was appointed as Technical Director. On 5 November 2009, Ian 
Balchin was appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Officer. Terry Walsh stepped down as a Director on  
10 March 2010 to focus on the chlor-alkali sector.

On 4 December 2009 the Company raised net proceeds of £2,000,000 million by way of a placing of 21,500,000 
new ordinary shares to UK investors.

23. Ultimate controlling party
There is no ultimate controlling party.

24. Related-party transactions
During the year ended 31 October 2009, £26,812 (plus VAT) was invoiced by FD Solutions, the trading name of  
DFM Limited (a company registered in England & Wales) for services including Simon Walters as a Director of  
AFC Energy plc (2008: £86,160). Mr Walters is also a Director and shareholder of DFM Limited. At 31 October 2009, 
the sum owing to DFM Limited was £200 plus VAT (2008: £14,432).

During the year ended 31 October 2009, £40,701 (plus VAT) was invoiced by Hudson Raine Ltd (a company 
registered in England & Wales) for services including David Marson as a financial consultant, and latterly for  
his services as a Director of AFC Energy plc (2008: £ nil). Mr Marson is also a Director and shareholder of  
Hudson Raine Ltd. At 31 October 2009, the sum owing to Hudson Raine Ltd was nil (2008: £ nil).

32

AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

During the year ended 31 October 2009, AFC Energy plc provided Waste2Tricity (a company registered in England 
and Wales) with an interest bearing loan of £150,000 repayable in full by December 2010, under the terms of an 
agreement to supply AFC fuel cells to W2T for integration into its system for the conversion of municipal solid waste. 
The Company subsequently converted £2,500 of the loan to equity for a 25% share of W2T (see note 9). In addition, 
AFC incurred costs of £1,835 on behalf of W2T for which it was reimbursed. Tim Yeo and Terry Walsh joined the 
board of W2T in December 2008, when AFC Energy was exploring collaborative opportunities with W2T in the UK 
waste to energy market. Both directors also serve on the board of AFC Energy. Terry Walsh resigned as a director of 
W2T on 18 January 2010 to concentrate on the chlor-alkali market for AFC Energy. In addition, shareholders in W2T 
include Adam White, Eturab Corporation and Ian Balchin. Members of the White family are nominated beneficiaries 
of the Age of Reason Foundation. Both the Age of Reason Foundation and Eturab Corporation are substantial 
shareholders in AFC Energy. Ian Balchin was appointed Chief Executive Officer of AFC Energy on 5 November 2009. 
His shareholding in W2T was granted in lieu of payment for work done for W2T before he was employed by  
AFC Energy.

 During the year ended 31 October 2009, £18,889 (plus VAT) was invoiced by Classband Management Ltd (a 
company registered in England & Wales), a company owned by Howard White, for his services. Members of Mr 
White’s family are nominated beneficiaries of the Age of Reason Foundation, which is a major shareholder in the 
Company. At 31 October 2009, the sum owing to Classband Ltd was nil (2008: £ nil).

During the year ended 31 October 2009, £608 was invoiced by Ben Sauer, son of Gerard Sauer, for website design 
and maintenance services (2008: £11,368). The sums were billed at arms-length commercial rates. At 31 October 
2009, the sum owing to Mr Sauer was nil (2008: nil).

During the year ended 31 October 2009, £18,000 (plus VAT) was invoiced by Cranwood Management Ltd (a 
company registered in England & Wales) for consultancy services. The company is owned by Adam White. Members 
of Mr White’s family are nominated beneficiaries of the Age of Reason Foundation, which is a major shareholder in 
the Company. At 31 October 2009, the sum owing to Cranwood Ltd was nil (2008: £ nil).

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AFC ENERGY PLC Report & Accounts 2009

AFC ENERGY plc

Notice of Annual General Meeting 

Registered in England and Wales No. 05668788

Notice is hereby given to all members that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the above-named Company will be held 
at Eversheds LLP, 1 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7WS on Tuesday 13 April 2010 at 2pm for the following reasons:

ORDINARY BUSINESS
To consider and if thought fit, adopt the following resolutions as ordinary resolutions:

1.  To receive and approve the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2009 with the reports of the 

Directors and Auditors thereon.

2.  To re-appoint Jeffreys Henry LLP as Auditors to hold office from the conclusion of the meeting to the conclusion of 
the next meeting at which Financial Statements are laid before the Company at a remuneration to be determined 
by the Directors.

3.  To re-elect Ian Balchin as a Director.

4.  To re-elect David Marson as a Director.

5. To re-elect Gene Lewis as a Director.

6. That, subject to and in accordance with Article 16 of the Company’s Articles of Association, in substitution for all 
existing authorities, to the extent unused, the Directors shall have general and unconditional authority for the 
purpose of section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (as amended) (the Act) to exercise all powers of the Company 
to allot shares in the Company and to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares in the 
Company up to a maximum nominal amount of £30,000 provided that such authorities shall expire on 13 April 
2011 unless previously renewed, varied or revoked by the Company in General Meeting and the Directors shall 
be entitled under the authority hereby conferred or under any renewal thereof to make at any time prior to the 
expiry of such authority any offer or agreement, which would or might require such shares to be allotted or rights 
to subscribe for or convert securities into shares to be granted after such expiry, and the board may allot shares 
and grant rights to subscribe or convert securities into shares in pursuance of such offer or agreement as if the 
authority conferred by this resolution had not expired.

SPECIAL BUSINESS
To consider and if thought fit, adopt the following resolution as a special resolution:

7.  That subject to and conditional upon the passing of resolution 6 and in accordance with Article 17 of the Companies 
Articles of Association, the Directors shall be and are hereby empowered pursuant to section 570 of the Companies 
Act 2006 (the Act) to allot equity securities (within the meaning of section 560 of the said Act) for cash pursuant to 
the general authority conferred by resolution 6 above and be empowered pursuant to section 573 of the said Act 
to sell ordinary shares (as defined in section 560 of the said Act) held by the Company as treasury shares (as defined 
in section 724 of the said Act) for cash, as if section 561(1) of the said Act did not apply to such allotment or sale, 
provided that this power shall be limited to allotments of equity securities and the sale of treasury shares:

i)   in connection with or pursuant to an offer by way of rights, open offer or other pre-emptive offer to the holder 

of shares in the Company and other persons entitled to participate therein in proportion (as nearly as practicable) 
to their respective holdings, subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may consider 
necessary or expedient to deal with fractional entitlements or legal or practical problems under the laws of any 
territory or the regulations or requirements of any regulatory authority or any stock exchange in any territory;

ii)  otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (i) above, up to an aggregate nominal amount of £30,000, and such 
powers shall expire on the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in 2011 or on 
13 April 2011, whichever is earlier, but so that the Company may before such expiry make an offer of agreement 
which would or might require equity securities to be allotted or treasury shares to be sold after such expiry, and 
the Directors may allot equity securities or sell treasury shares in pursuance of such offer or agreement as if the 
power conferred by this resolution had not expired.

By Order of the Board

David Marson
10 March 2010

Notes to the Notice of Annual General Meeting (“AGM”): 

Please refer to the notes on the Form of Proxy for guidance on voting.

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AFC ENERGY plc – FORM OF PROXY
Registered in England and Wales No. 05668788

For use at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 13 April 2010

(PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS IN FULL IN BLOCK CAPITALS)

I/We 

Of 

Hereby appoint the Chairman of the meeting* 

*If you wish to appoint someone other than the Chairman as your proxy, please delete these words and insert desired name.

To act as my/our proxy to vote on my/our behalf upon any matter proposed at the Annual General Meeting of the 
Company to be held on 13 April 2010 and at any adjournment thereof, in such manner as my/our proxy shall think proper, 
and if expedient to demand a poll. I/We request such proxy to vote on the following resolutions as indicated below:

     Please tick here if this proxy appointment is one of multiple proxies being made (and refer to note 6 below)

Against

For

Vote 
withheld

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Resolution 1

To receive and approve the financial statements

Resolution 2

To re-appoint the Auditors

Resolution 3

To re-elect Ian Balchin as a Director

Resolution 4

To re-elect David Marson as a Director

Resolution 5

To re-elect Gene Lewis as a Director

Resolution 6

To authorise the Directors to allot shares and to grant rights to 
subscribe for or to convert any security in shares pursuant to 
section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (as amended)

Resolution 7

To approve the allotment of equity securities pursuant to section 
570 of the Companies Act 2006

 Signature   

Date 

Number of shares (see notes)

NOTES:

1.   Only members whose names appear on the register of members of the 

company as at 48 hours before the time of the meeting shall be entitled to 
attend the AGM either in person or by proxy and the number of ordinary 
shares then registered in their respective names shall determine the number 
of votes such persons are entitled to cast on a poll at the AGM.

2.   To be valid, this form must be signed and received at the offices of the 

Registrars of the Company not less than 48 hours (excluding any part of the 
day which is a non-working day) before the time appointed for holding the 
meeting. In the case of joint holders, any one holder may sign. If both joint 
holders sign conflicting proxies, the wishes of the holder first named on the 
register will be accepted.

3.  A proxy need not be a member of the Company. Any member entitled  

to attend and vote at the AGM is entitled to appoint one or more proxies  
(who need not be a member of the Company) to attend and to vote  
instead of the member.

4.  If the form of proxy is signed on behalf of a shareholder, the copy of the 
relevant authority of the signatory to act should also be forwarded to the 
Registrars. In the case of a corporation, the form must be under seal or under 
hand of a duly authorised officer.

5.  Completion and return of this form of proxy does not prevent a shareholder 
from attending the meeting and voting in person in which case any votes 
cast by the proxy will be excluded.

6.  If any other proxy is preferred, delete the words the Chairman of the 

Meeting, insert the full name of the proxy or proxies you wish to appoint 
and initial the alteration. If you are appointing more than one proxy you 
must indicate the number of shares in respect of which you are making this 
appointment, you should include the number in the box provided for your 
first named proxy and either obtain (an) additional proxy form(s) from the 
registrars (0870 707 1302) or you may photocopy this form. Please return all 
the forms together and tick the box to indicate each form is one of multiple 
instructions being given. Please take care when completing the number of 
shares; if the total number of shares exceeds the total held by the member, 
all appointments may be invalid.

7.  The vote withheld option is provided to enable you to abstain on any 

particular resolution. However, it should be noted that a vote withheld is not 
a vote in law and will not be counted in the calculation the proportion of 
votes For and Against a resolution.

8.  Any alteration made in the form of proxy should be initialled.

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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Third Fold

Business Reply
Licence Number
RRLU-BGHH-XJLX

Computershare Investor Services PLC
PO Box 1075
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 6ZY

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Second Fold

 
 
 
 
Directors,	Company	Secretary	and	Advisors

Directors
Tim Yeo MP
Ian Balchin
David Marson (Company Secretary)
Gene lewis
Dr Michael Mangan
Mitchell Field

Registered office 
Finsgate
5-7 Cranwood Street
london EC1V 9EE

Registered in England: 05668788

Joint Broker
Astaire Securities plc
30 Old Broad Street
london EC2N 1HT

Financial Advisor, NOMAD and  
Joint Broker
Allenby Capital plc
32 Davies Street
Mayfair, london W1K 4ND

Bankers
Barclays Bank plc
2 High Street
Chelmsford
Essex CM1 1DS 

Principal place of business
Unit 71.4 Dunsfold Park
Stovolds Hill
Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8TB 

Tel: 01483 276726
Fax: 01483 266839
e-mail: info@afcenergy.com

Auditors
Jeffreys Henry llP
Finsgate
5-7 Cranwood Street
london EC1V 9EE

Solicitors
Eversheds llP
1 Wood Street
london EC2V 7WS

Registrars
Computershare Investor Services PlC
PO Box 1075
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road
Bristol BS99 3FA

This report is printed on 150gsm Black label Satin and 350gsm Black label Satin

 
AFC Energy plc
Unit 71.4 Dunsfold Park
Stovolds Hill
Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8TB 

Tel: 01483 276726
Fax: 01483 266839
info@afcenergy.com

www.afcenergy.com