Fuel cell firm seeks site for factory for micro-CHP systems |
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Written by H2 Daily Staff
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Sunday, 12 October 2008 |
Fuel cell specialists Ceres Power are now assessing a shortlist of sites for a new factory, as the firm prepares to commercialize its 'electro-chemical engine' micro-CHP system for households.
The company based in Crawley, Surrey, announced its latest financial results yesterday for a 'milestone' year up to June 30, 2008.
This year has seen the company forming a close relationship with British Gas-owners Centrica, the energy company investing £20 million in Ceres in return for a 10% stake, as well as agreeing a forward order for 37,500 units.
We have shortlisted a number of sites in South East England, where we believe there are already high-tech skills available.
The micro-CHP system being developed by Ceres would essentially replace standard gas boilers in households, offering both heating and electricity for domestic needs.
It would use a little more gas than a gas boiler, but is seen as low-carbon because it also supplies electricity and its 80-90% efficiency would mean greener power than that generated by a 30-40% efficient gas power station.
The combined heat and power (CHP) system being developed by Ceres is centered around a fuel cell - a battery-like device that takes in a fuel like natural gas or hydrogen - and generates power through a chemical reaction.
The Ceres fuel cell has been developed to run on natural gas, methane or propane, and part of yesterday's results announcement included the news that it has completed the first, 'alpha' phase of the 1kW system's development.
This has seen the micro-CHP unit built to a specification suitable for mass-production - including a suitable size, weight and performance that would allow the 25kg units to be mounted on household walls. The next phases of development include testing the system to demonstrate reliability, and then establishing a mass production process.
British Gas has provided £5 million to help the development process for the device.
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