Essent and Gasterra collaborate on Fuel Cells for microWKK

November 28 2008 - Essent Retail Service and GasTerra have entered into an agreement to gain more insight into the applicability of HRe boilers based on fuel cells or microWKKs (combined heat/power plants) at the beginning of 2008. Such boilers deliver both heat and electricity.

First field test of HRe boiler with fuel cell in the Netherlands

The research programme should show which HRe boilers based on fuel cells are best suited for domestic application. Against this background Essent and GasTerra will start up the very first consumer field test in the Netherlands where a suitable fuel cell will be tested and evaluated under realistic circumstances. The intention is to investigate how much energy a household can save using this new advanced system.

The present generation of HRe boilers with Stirling motor can generate approximately 2500 kWh in the home, thus allowing the average consumer to save some 300 euros annually. The next-generation HRe boiler fuel cell will be able to generate 5000-6000 kWh (enabling a saving of some 750 euros annually at current price levels). The additional energy that is produced could be used, for example, to power a car electrically (about 3500 KWh is needed for 20,000 kilometres). The car can also function as a battery pack to store electricity temporarily.
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. In these fuel cells natural gas is converted into heat and electricity. This new type of HRe boiler 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 also extremely suitable for newly built houses with a low heat demand.

This field test will run up to March 2010 and is carried out by Essent and GasTerra together with Kiwa Gastec.

About Essent

With an annual turnover of 7.4 billion euros in 2007, Essent is the largest energy company in The Netherlands. Essent supplies electricity, gas and heating to domestic and business customers. Essent is active throughout the entire 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 corporation's environmental branch processes waste into energy and residual currents. Essent employs around 11,000 people.

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.

Published: 01 December 2008