Green energy partnership for - Hydrogen Houses Unplugged

The PURE Energy Centre (PEC) based in Unst, Shetland Islands, Britain’s most Northerly Island, with Fuel Cell Scotland, the developer of the smallest fuel cell of its type and Hjaltland Housing Association owner of an unplugged housing scheme, claim to be pioneering the development of the first completely unplugged hydrogen houses in the world.

This project aims to address some of the environmental, electrical and heat supply issues found in many housing schemes around the world. This scheme is a show case of technology that provides energy security to any unplugged houses.

The first stage of the project involves building two Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems using hydrogen fuel cell technology. The CHPs will provide both heat and electrical power to the two unplugged houses in Northmavine, Shetland Islands.

The second stage of the project will see the development of a renewable hydrogen scheme at the house site.

The final stage will see the development of a renewable hydrogen refuelling station. This will be used in conjunction with a set of hydrogen cars providing a complete ‘personal clean energy‘ solution to every house.

If the project proves successful, PEC, in partnership with the FCS and HHA hope to drive down cost of building ‘personal clean unplugged houses’ in less than five years.

Bryan Leask of Hjaltland Housing Association said ' Hjaltland Housing Association are delighted with the announcement of funding to assist in the development of the next generation of housing. With the current Government aspirations of zero carbon footprints and the reduction of fuel poverty, the use of hydrogen technology is at the forefront of our ability to achieve these aims. We look forward to working with the Pure Energy Centre and Fuel Cell Scotland on this very exciting project.'

The partnership is being supported by the Scottish Executive Renewable Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Scheme.

Source: Fuel Cell Today