GE Power Systems And Plug Power To Develop Fuel Cell Systems
GE Power Systems and Plug Power have finalized an agreement to create a joint venture company that will distribute fuel cell systems worldwide. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process, instead of combustion, that combines generally available fuels, such as natural gas and propane, with air and water. They have no moving parts, are virtually noiseless, and produce pure water and excess heat as byproducts.
"Fuel cell technology has the potential to provide an environmentally friendly and economical alternative for customers seeking to generate power at the point of consumption," says Robert L. Nardelli, president and CEO of GE Power Systems.
The new company, named GE Fuel Cell Systems, will be 75% owned by GE Power Systems and 25% owned by Plug Power. As part of the joint venture agreement, Plug Power will work closely with GE's Corporate Research & Development Center for product development and manufacturing support. Field-testing of the 35kW, Plug Power-designed and manufactured fuel cells is expected to begin later this year and continue through the year 2000. GE Fuel Cell Systems expects to offer commercial units beginning in January 2001.
"Globally, there are more than 1.2 billion households, many without electricity," said Gary Mittleman, Plug Power president and CEO. "Others have electricity that is unreliable, too costly or generated by high emission, fossil fuel-burning power plants." Plug Power's fuel cells will provide homes and small businesses a compact, reliable and clean method of meeting their electricity requirements.
The initial commercial units will operate on natural gas, propane, or methanol and are expected to achieve 40% electrical efficiency. When excess heat generated by the fuel cell is captured and used for hot water or heating, overall efficiency can exceed 70%. Fuel cell systems can be sized to match consumers' specific energy requirements and in many regions, will provide an attractive alternative to grid-supplied power. Another major benefit is the elimination of the cost and inconvenience associated with power outages.
For more information, call 518-385-2211.