First Tellurium focuses on heavy-lift drone market

Mr. Tyrone Docherty reports FIRST TELLURIUM PROVIDES UPDATE ON THERMOELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY First Tellurium Corp. has provided an update on advancement of the tellurium-based thermoelectric generator technology under development by its majority-owned subsidiary PyroDelta Energy Inc. To date, PyroDelta has designed thermoelectric devices that can provide energy savings for automotive, AI data centre, drones and other applications. Over the past six weeks, PyroDelta has focused on building prototypes of the device that can extend the range and efficiency of high-capacity drones for industrial and defence applications. Meanwhile, discussions continue with automakers and AI data centre providers to advance those opportunities. "Due to recent interest and feedback from large drone manufacturers," said First Tellurium president and chief executive officer Tyrone Docherty. "PyroDelta is building prototypes that incorporate an electronically fuel-injected internal combustion engine with a specially designed exhaust system." PyroDelta head engineer Michael Abdelmaseh explained: "The exhaust features a flat mounting surface for our thermoelectric modules, enabling us to harvest waste heat and convert it into electricity. This power can be fed directly into a lightweight onboard battery to support critical electronics and ignition systems, while also improving fuel efficiency, payload capacity and drone range." PyroDelta is using this advanced technology to build devices for heavy-lift drones that handle payloads exceeding 200 pounds (90 kilograms). These devices are especially important for industrial and defence usage. "We expect to present prototypes to manufacturers in September," said Mr. Abdelmaseh. "Based on the inquiries we've received, we are designing the technology specifically for commercial-, industrial- and military-grade platforms with extreme lifting capabilities. These applications would benefit most from extended range as well as more efficient fuel usage at higher altitudes. Our early R&D on several drone engine designs has produced exciting results, and I'm confident they will provide valuable efficiencies." "Our focus on the heavy-lift drone industry resulted from aggressive interest by several manufacturers," said Mr. Docherty. "Considering the rapid growth in this sector, as well as government funding being provided by both the U.S. and Canada, we have expanded our focus to help meet this demand." According to Grand View Research, the global drone market size was estimated at $64.32-billion (U.S.) in 2023, and it is projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 14.5 per cent from 2024 to 2030, owing to various factors including advances in technology, broadening application portfolio across various industries and plummeting costs of drone technology. "While the automotive, AI data centre and other sectors present amazing long-term opportunities," added Mr. Docherty. "The drone industry has offered what we see as a much faster entry into the market. This will remain our focus for the shorter term." About First Tellurium Corp. First Tellurium's unique business model is to generate revenue and value through mineral discovery, project development, project generation and development of tellurium-based technologies. First Tellurium is listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol FTEL and on the OTC under the symbol FSTTF. We seek Safe Harbor.