E.On commits to 100,000 micro-CHP units

E.ON is committed to ordering 100,000 micro-Combined Heat and Power (micro-CHP) if a joint commercialisation project with Ceramic Fuel Cells is successful.

The deal will see Ceramic Fuel Cells and E.ON extend their exclusive agreement to further develop and deploy fuel cell micro-CHP units in Great Britain.

The joint development project running from 2009 to 2012 will look to develop a commercial micro-CHP unit designed specifically for the Great Britain market based on Ceramic Fuel Cells' GENNEX fuel cell module.

If performance targets are reached E.ON must order a minimum order of 100,000 units over six years from 2012 or lose exclusivity on use of the technology.

Charles Bradshaw-Smith, Head of Innovation at E.ON, said: “The agreement with CFCL reflects two years’ hard work to achieve a unit with a technical performance that has met all our targets.

'We are now pleased to commit funding and resources, subject to the attainment of agreed milestones, to roll out a commercial unit, building on Ceramic Fuel Cells' market-leading technology.

'This technology signals that cleaner, more cost-effective energy in the UK home is closer than ever before.”

Brendan Dow, Managing Director of Ceramic Fuel Cells, said: “This provides us with additional funding to develop commercial products, as well as strong support for future market launch and development.”

The micro-CHP unit will produce electricity to export to the grid while providing enough heat and hot water for an average UK home.