Hydrogen is the cleanest fuel you can get. The difficulty is separating it from other molecules and storing it.
An East of England-based company has made a cost breathrough in their electrolyser for generating hydrogen in the home to fuel central heating boilers, cookers and vehicles which can use it. It uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. If the electricity is from a zero carbon source, either via the grid or from a system at the home, a zero carbon system for all energy needs can be provided. The cost breakthrough, arising from a patented low cost materials for electrolyser components, is projected to make home systems affordable.
The product will be available for purchase and installation some time in 2009. Price is still to be announced, but the system’s operating costs will be supply of water plus electricity.
The company is also developing the application of its technology for home refuelling. One route for this is a bi-fuel petrol/hydrogen car based on Europe’s best-selling model, the Ford Focus. The company aims to demonstrate that the car can be refuelled using hydrogen generated by a home electrolyser and can complete an average daily commuting journey without the need to utilise petrol.
