Home Fuel Cell To Provide Electricity

Japan Working Toward Fuel-Cell Reality | Marketplace From American Public Media: "Home fuel cells are becoming increasingly popular in Japan. The electricity generator cuts about a ton of carbon emissions from each household per year, but costs aren't reasonable for the average consumer -- yet..."

Unlike the much-touted hydrogen fuel cell automobiles that I believe are a pipe dream that will never truly be realized, the home fuel cell described here is fueled by separating the hydrogen from the home's Natural Gas line. Thus, the infrastructure is already in place and easily accessible in most cases. The apparatus even sequesters heat generated by the whole process and reroutes it to heat the home and the home's water.

Out-friggin'-standing! At least while Natural Gas is still available, that is. Usage might be dubious from a Peak Oil perspective, but I could see this providing a means by which a lot of survivalists (especially those homesteading in remote areas) might achieve a bit more self-sufficiency. An ideal setup would be to own a property that has its own Natural Gas well.

Currently, the unit runs in the neighborhood of $15,000 U.S. after a government subsidy that covers half the cost, but they expect the price to drop to $5,000 within the next five years.

Posted in: alternate energy,off-grid,technology