Working in co-operation with Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE (CGIT), CFCL is preparing to run an initial three month field trial at the CGIT Chadstone campus in the next few months. This is the second CFCL field test contract, with a previous agreement with New Zealand energy utility Powerco signed in November 2004.

“We are pleased that the first Australian site for testing and monitoring of our fuel cell powered prototype micro-CHP unit will be with a leading energy training institution,” said CFCL executive chairman Julian Dinsdale.

“It is an ideal match for us to work with people in energy utilities, showing them the features of two emerging and sophisticated technologies – fuel cells and micro-CHP.”

Chief executive officer of CGIT, Peter Whitely, is enthusiastic about the future of fuel cell technologies in Australia.

“Through this field trial we will be able to stay at the forefront of the industry and train people in the practical matters of installation, operation, maintenance, and management of fuel cells in micro-CHP. Micro-CHP units have the potential to radically change the way power is generated in the future more efficiently, reliably and cleanly,” Whitely said.

“Fuel cells and micro-CHP are already gaining support in the UK and Europe, especially Germany, because they offer significant fuel efficiencies and solutions to both governments and utilities to help meet greenhouse gas emission targets, air quality requirements and network distribution constraints.”

According to CFCL, their micro-CHP units convert gas to electricity in a silent process that has could produce 60% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to a coal-fired power source. The 1kW micro-CHP unit is designed to act as an environmentally friendly mini-generator to be installed in households and commercial buildings.