AKRON, Ohio: As part of FirstEnergy Corp.'s (NYSE: FE) ongoing effort to support education and the development of advanced energy technologies, President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony J. Alexander today announced a $2 million pledge to The University of Akron to establish the FirstEnergy Fund for Advanced Energy Research. The fund will be used to create the FirstEnergy Advanced Energy Research Center at the University and support development of carbon capture and coal-based fuel cells.

"The University has a long tradition of technologies research in general and energy studies in particular, including its recent work in the area of carbon capture and fuel cells," said Mr. Alexander. "We are proud to help build on this strong foundation and we are hopeful that our contribution will inspire others to support the University's important work in energy research."

FirstEnergy also has secured a $250,000 contribution to the fund from CONSOL Energy, one of the nation's leading coal producers and a major fuel supplier to the electric power industry in the northeast United States.

"We are pleased to partner with FirstEnergy in helping to fund this important research," said J. Brett Harvey, president and chief executive officer of CONSOL Energy. "Every forecast I have seen suggests that coal must remain the cornerstone fuel for electricity generation in the United States. The University of Akron research will help ensure that coal is compatible with the nation's energy and environmental priorities in the years ahead."

"The University of Akron is known globally for our cutting-edge research into new materials and technologies that help accelerate knowledge creation and economic development in Northeast Ohio," said Luis M. Proenza, president of The University of Akron. "We are most grateful to FirstEnergy and CONSOL Energy for their collaboration and partnership in advancing this important work that will strengthen our region and benefit our nation."

The Advanced Energy Research Center initially will focus on development of carbon capture technologies that could be used by fossil-fueled power plants and the development of coal-based fuel cells for commercial use.

The University also plans to expand the center's work over time to include development of new electric grid technologies needed for end-use efficiency, demand response, distributed generation, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and energy storage, as well as advanced generation technologies such as renewables, clean-coal and other low-or zero-emissions technologies.

FirstEnergy and CONSOL have agreed to provide expertise in technology related to power generation and energy delivery, and to serve on an advisory committee for the Advanced Energy Research Center.