CFCL described the appointment as a key step in the deal between itself and Powerco Limited in the first field trials of CFCL’s world-leading fuel cell technology.

CFCL plans to field trial its fuel cell powered micro-CHP (small combined heat and power) units at IRL’s facility in Wellington, New Zealand as part of its deal in November last year with Powerco to supply and use two micro-CHP demonstration units for 12 month field tests in New Zealand.

“We are excited to be introducing this ground breaking energy technology to Australasia,” said Powerco chief executive Steve Boulton.

“We welcome IRL to the team, and look forward to proving the benefits of this technology in delivering a clean, sustainable future.”

“We will shortly be shipping our first unit from Melbourne,” said Julian Dinsdale, executive chairman of CFCL.

“We look forward to working with IRL to provide cost effective local support to the New Zealand trials, and to this end we are hosting a visit by IRL’s Fuel Cell Technology Manager, Michael Callander, who will train with our team in Melbourne in preparation.”