A Fort Hood command is testing a new kind of power cell that could replace conventional batteries.

Fort Hood's "Operational Test Command" is using four direct methanol fuel cells to generate power for their testing missions.

The cells convert a mixture of methanol and water to electricity.  Compared to a battery the same size, they weigh one-third less and generate ten times more power.

"This allows OTC to test at a lower cost with less environmental impact because we no longer have to dispose of batteries and it’s not harmful to soldiers," Henry Merhoff with Operational Test Command said.

An Operational Test Command engineer says those fuel cells could eventually replace generators or Humvee batteries.