September 20, 2000 - Vaillant Joins Forces with Leading US Fuel Cell Developers to Introduce Tomorrow's Heating Technology to Europe
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Joh. Vaillant GmbH u. Co. of Remscheid, Germany, one of Europe's largest heating and appliance manufacturers and distributors, has signed a development agreement with Plug Power and completed a memorandum of understanding with GE Fuel Cell Systems and Plug Power to bring the next-generation of gas-operated heating appliances to the European market. GE Fuel Cell Systems is a subsidiary of GE Power Systems, one of the world's largest manufacturers of power generation equipment. Plug Power is a leading developer of fuel cell systems for residential use.
Fuel cells operate through an electrochemical process that converts hydrogen contained in natural gas to electricity and heat. Because the process involves no combustion, electricity is produced with substantially less emissions than traditional steam power plants.
Upon completion of the definitive documents, Vaillant will begin purchasing fuel cells and gas-processing components provided by Plug Power. Vaillant will then - in the first stage of the cooperation - incorporate these components into fuel cell heating appliances for sale to its own customers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands and GE Fuel Cell System's customers throughout Europe. This proposed sales and marketing collaboration between Vaillant, now celebrating its 125th anniversary, and GE Fuel Cell Systems promises to bring together two well-established brands with highly complimentary channels of distribution in the European market.
Vaillant is the leading producer of gas heating appliances in Europe, with the most advanced fuel cell applications research and development available within the heating and appliance industry. Plug Power is an industry leader in the advanced design of fuel cells and gas processors. In August of this year, Plug Power demonstrated its technology by powering a three bedroom home with a fuel cell system connected to the home's existing natural gas pipeline.
According to Vaillant's Managing Director Manfred Ahle, "With the addition of fuel cell technology, Vaillant reinforces its technological leadership in contributing to the protection of the environment, while creating new job opportunities for its own staff and those of its subcontractors and installers. This potential milestone will mean a vital step towards strengthening our long-term competitiveness in the European market."
The first pilot plants with the Vaillant "Hare" trademark are scheduled for testing by the end of 2001. General sales are scheduled to begin in 2003. Vaillant anticipates annual sales of the appliances will reach 100,000 by 2010.
SOURCE GE MicroGen
Web Site: gepower.com |
