Essent and GasTerra to start a research programme into fuel cells for HRe boilers

21 April 2008 - Essent Retail Service and GasTerra have entered into a collaborative research agreement to gain more insight into the applicability of fuel cells for HRe boilers or microWKKs (combined heat/power plants). The research programme should show what fuel cells are best suited for domestic application. After elaborate simulations and laboratory tests the devices will undergo practical tests by way of demonstration projects. At the same time, research will be carried out into the market opportunities for the system in the consumer market.

In the field of fuel cells various technologies for domestic application are being developed, in particular the SO (Solid Oxide) and the PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) Fuel Cell. These fuel cells may use natural gas as their fuel. The natural gas is converted into hydrogen from which heat and electricity is generated. This future generation HRe has a very high electrical yield enabling the remaining heat to be used for the heating of rooms and tap water. Based on current estimates, the fuel cell technology HRe boiler is extremely suitable for newly built houses with a low heat demand.

The research programme consists of four sub-projects, i.e. a listing of products, market research, laboratory tests and a field test. 

• In the global product listing, fuel cells (approx. 1 kW electrical power) suitable for application in households will be examined. 
• The purpose of this market research is to investigate the opportunities for fuel cell technology HRe boilers offered by the Dutch consumer market.
• The laboratory tests are for testing the technique and application in small and large scale field tests. 
• Finally, in the field tests the selected fuel cells are tested and evaluated under realistic circumstances. 

The total research programme will run up to March 2009 and is carried out by Essent and GasTerra together with Kiwa Gastec.

About Essent
With an annual turnover of EUR 7.4 billion in 2007, Essent is the largest power company in the Netherlands. Essent supplies electricity, gas and heat to domestic and business customers. Essent is active throughout the energy chain: from the production of energy up to and including supply to end users. The corporation views The Netherlands as its home market, but has now also built up a considerable market position in Germany and is doing so increasingly in Belgium too. The environmental branch of the group processes waste into energy and residual currents. Approximately 11,000 people work at Essent.

About Gasterra
GasTerra is an internationally operating commercial enterprise in natural gas. The company works in the European energy market and has an important share in the Dutch gas market. In addition, GasTerra offers services related to this trade. The company has a strong purchasing position and over 40 years of experience. GasTerra promotes a safe and efficient use of natural gas and is involved in the development of further applications. The company recognises the great importance of the transition route to sustainable energy supply and initiates projects in this context.