BDR Thermea has formed a partnership with Toshiba Fuel Cell Power Systems Corporation for the exclusive co-development and marketing of fuel cell micro-CHP heating systems for European homes.
Due to enter into full production in 2015, the new series of fuel cell micro-CHP heating solutions will not only deliver energy savings and environmental benefits for end users, but will feature a more affordable price tag thanks to the increased production volumes and a modular design.
The partnership brings two market leaders together. BDR Thermea is regarded as a leader in micro-CHP technology in Europe, and has an extensive sales and service network at its disposal. The company has led the European development of fuel cells and CHP solutions for residential heating applications.
Toshiba Fuel Cell Power Systems Corporation is a global market leader in the development, production and marketing of PEM fuel cell systems. The companies have each delivered 35,000 appliances into their respective markets.
Rob van Banning, CEO of BDR Thermea, said:
“This is a mutually beneficial partnership to help grow market share and influence take-up of CHP technology on a European scale.
“From both an environmental and energy management perspective, the widespread use of CHP represents a significant step toward the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, as well as a more sustainable approach to the management of energy resources.”
Due to be presented at ISH in 2015, the fuel cell micro-CHP system will be designed in a modular formation consisting of a fuel cell micro-CHP unit, auxiliary heating unit, a hydraulic module, a storage module, as well as an energy manager tool. It will also be future-ready with smart home and smart grid options integrated.
“Until now, cost has been an inhibitive factor for many homeowners but through an increase in the total production volume of the markets in Japan and Europe, as well as its modular formation, cost reductions can be achieved,” said Rob.
The partnership is designed to combine the expertise of BDR Thermea and Toshiba Fuel Cell Power Systems Corporation in order to develop an environmentally responsible, technically reliable and, above all, an economically viable fuel cell micro-CHP heating appliance for the home.
Fuel cell technology represents one of the innovative solutions that will be required over the coming years to replace and upgrade more than 100 million gas and oil-fired boilers currently installed throughout Europe.