Aug 13 2010
A partnership between FirstEnergy Generation Corp and Ballard Power Systems will facilitate the latter to activate the CLEARgen, the largest hydrogen fuel cell generator in the world.
This generator is based upon the PEM (proton exchange membrane) technology of Ballard. This fuel cell system has been designed for catering to the peak demand periods, towards easing strain off the energy grid while ensuring uninterrupted power for customers during summer time, when the power demand is at its highest.
The CLEARgen system has the capability to generate around 1 MW of energy, sufficient for powering 500 homes. For generating electricity, fuel cells make use of hydrogen while producing water and heat as the only by-products, thus making it more environment-friendly than coal or diesel. Since the Ballard CLEARgen system is transportable, it helps in easy relocation between sites.
This hydrogen fuel cell system is not only useful for utilities but is also ideal for providing clean energy solutions for communities that are located too far away from the power grid and rely on diesel generators for receiving power. This remarkable invention is a powerhouse-on-wheels and provides one of the greenest and cleanest energy sources in the world.
Source: http://www.ballard.com/