Gavin Williamson MP investigates Wolverhampton home’s new heat and power system
Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, visited Wolverhampton today (January 9th2014) to see the UK’s first fuel cell system for domestic heat and power in action.
The new technology allows the Engelke family of Codsall to generate its own electricity, saving up to £400 per year, or 36 per cent, on energy bills and make £600 by selling excess power to the grid. This translates into a 50 per cent reduction in CO2. The unit is the same size as a fridge freezer, yet it generates as much electricity as a whole roof of solar panels.
“I’ve very much enjoyed learning about Viessmann’s Vitovalor 300-P fuel cell technology which is the first of its kind in the UK,” said Mr Williamson. “Viessmann is one of the leading international manufacturers of this sort of technology and is taking a leading role in the rollout of new heating products from its headquarters in nearby Telford.”
Home owner, Clare Engelke said, “In addition to being able to do something for the environment, this system will allow me to generate as much electricity as I use, as well as guard against perpetually rising utility costs. As a family, we’re really excited about monitoring our energy use and production, which we can do easily via a Smartphone app.
“This was actually quite a simple replacement for our boiler! We’re making our own electricity without needing solar panels on the roof.”
Darren McMahon, marketing director at Viessmann says, “To continue to reduce CO2 emissions and make ourselves more energy efficient, we need to develop solutions for gas. Generating our own electricity at home is about twice as efficient as relying on centralised power stations. The Vitovalor 300-P is a technology available today, that reduces CO2 by 50 per cent. This first installation into a domestic dwelling in the UK is a significant moment.”
Notes to editors
The Vitovalor 300-P is the first mass produced, commercially available domestic fuel cell heating appliance on sale in Europe.
There are many types of fuel cell: this is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC)-based micro combined heat and power (mCHP) system.
The energy created by the Vitovalor 300-P – approximately 4,500 kWh per year – is equivalent to that generated by 30 m2 of solar PV panels; which in practice would involve covering both sides of a large roof in its entirety.
Excess electricity that is created can be exported to the grid. Based on a Feed-in-Tariff of 15p per kWh, this would create an income of upwards of £600 per year for the Wolverhampton household.
Viessmann jointly developed the Vitovalor 300-P with Panasonic. It is a union that takes the technology of Panasonic’s fuel cell, proven in thousands of electricity-dependent homes in Japan, and combines it with German manufacturer, Viessmann’s heating and control technology.
About Viessmann Ltd.
Viessmann Limited is part of the Viessmann Group of Companies which is one of the leading international manufacturers of heating systems. Founded in 1917, the family business is overseen by the chairmanship of Managing Partner Dr. Martin Viessmann. The Group has annual turnover of EUR 2.1 billion and employs a staff of approximately 11,400. Viessmann’s comprehensive product range encompasses all fuel types and applications, allowing it to deliver high quality, efficient and fully integrated solutions. With an output range of 1.5 to 120,000 kW, Viessmann offers oil and gas-fired boilers, solar thermal and photovoltaics, combined heat and power modules (CHP), ground, air and water sourced heat pumps and biomass boilers.
Press Enquiries
Beth Osborne, Propel Technology, Unit 4, Manor Farm Offices, Northend Road, Fenny Compton, Warwickshire, CV47 2YY. +44 (0)1295 770602. beth@propel-technology.com
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