MicroPower Global is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with QinetiQ (UK) and Demcon (Netherlands), two leading defence technology firms, to develop advanced thermoelectric power generation systems for military applications.
Under the framework of a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement, the three organisations will collaborate on soldier-portable and vehicle-mounted thermoelectric generators (TEGs) designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern defence operations. The partnership leverages QinetiQ's extensive military systems expertise, Demcon's precision engineering capabilities, and MicroPower's breakthrough thermoelectric technology.
"The defence sector faces a critical challenge: soldiers and expeditionary teams require reliable, silent power sources that don't compromise operational security," said a MicroPower spokesperson. "Fuel-dependent generators create logistical dependencies and noise signatures. Our thermoelectric technology offers a fundamentally different approach – converting waste heat from any thermal source into clean electricity with zero moving parts and zero maintenance."
The collaboration will focus on two key areas: first, portable power systems for individual soldiers and small units operating in remote or austere environments; and second, integrated vehicle-mounted solutions for mobile command centres and field bases. Both applications demand compact, robust, maintenance-free power generation with minimal thermal signature.
"QinetiQ has long recognised the strategic value of thermoelectric technology for defence," added a QinetiQ representative. "This partnership allows us to bring cutting-edge thermoelectric innovation into the defence sector, addressing real operational pain points around portability, reliability, and logistics."
The global defence sector is increasingly investing in next-generation expeditionary capabilities. Modern military operations emphasise smaller, faster, more autonomous teams – all of which require distributed power solutions. Traditional diesel generators are heavy, noisy, and create supply chain vulnerabilities. Thermoelectric systems powered by ambient heat sources (campfires, cooking equipment, waste heat from vehicles and engines) represent a transformative capability.
"Our partnership validates the market need for MicroPower's technology in defence applications," said company leadership. "We're not competing on power density – we're solving a different problem. Defence needs silent, maintenance-free power. That's where thermoelectric systems excel."
The NDA-protected development effort will progress through 2021 and beyond, with prototype validation planned. The partnership is expected to create significant commercial opportunities as defence budgets globally prioritise soldier mobility, energy security, and operational independence.
About MicroPower: MicroPower Global develops advanced thermoelectric generators and cooling systems that convert industrial waste heat into clean electricity. With an international patent portfolio and third-party testing and validation across NREL, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, NIST, Bechtel-Bettis, and Texas State, MicroPower's technology operates at 3–5× the efficiency of any commercial alternative.
About QinetiQ: QinetiQ is a world-leading defence and security company headquartered in the UK, providing integrated technology and professional services to defence, security and national infrastructure customers.
About Demcon: Demcon is a leading Dutch engineering firm specialising in precision systems and advanced manufacturing for aerospace, defence, and industrial applications.