Viessmann shuts down Hexis

Galileo, Viessmann
Galileo at Hannover Messe in 2015

On March 19, German heating manufacturer Viessmann, based in Allendorf, announced it would shut down Hexis, its subsidiary in charge of developing SOFCs. The headline of the press release sounded rather innocuous: “Viessmann takes new path to implementing future-proof technology.“ However, in the third paragraph, the company then said it “will discontinue operations at Hexis.“

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Fuel cells to power entire residential area

Langweid am Lech is the first-ever place in Germany where residential fuel cells will meet all energy needs. Regional energy utility Erdgas Schwaben, based in Augsburg, has joined forces with developer Michael Dumberger and heating system supplier Viessmann to install Panasonic fuel cells in each of the 62 duplex and row houses under construction in a new residential zone.

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Example of a Fuel Cell Heating Consultation

Elcore
© Elcore

Although numerous critics had hardly thought it possible anymore because of years-long delays, fuel cell heating systems have entered the market. Several manufacturers of heating appliances have added power and heat units running on natural gas to their portfolio. One of them is Thermondo, a young heating installation company operating across Germany, which has been offering condensing boilers since last year.

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EU Adopts PACE

The EU has decided to continue subsidizing fuel cell heating systems. The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) announced that on June 1, 2016, the European Union launched the PACE project (Pathway to a Competitive European FC mCHP market) with incentives worth EUR 34 million. Its aim is to have more than 2,650 micro-CHP systems installed at non-field test customers by February 2021 to support market ramp-up. At the same time, a monitoring project should provide the feedback needed to enhance any further developments.

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Power-to-Gas – Microbes to Cut Costs

Methanos_web
Micro-organisms, © Schmack Biogas

Micro-organisms provide more flexibility than common catalysts, and the methane produced by them is relatively pure. Additionally, the investment costs for Power-to-Gas systems can be lowered by using transformers and power as well as gas network connections of already existing biogas and wastewater treatment plants. This field of study, however, still requires more research to be done, even for

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