Fuel Cell Generators Installed At PM Koizumi's New House - AFP

[hatrack]

"A fuel cell power generation system billed as the world's first for home use was unveiled Friday at the newly built residence of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. "I will strive to create a better society and a society which can hand down a wonderful environment to next generations," Koizumi said as he switched on the system.

The eco-friendly system, made up of two units, can generate a total of two kilowatts of electricity and at the same time serve as boilers while limiting its carbon dioxide emissions.

The premier's new residence, where Koizumi is scheduled to move in a few months time, also features wind-powered generators to emphasise his government's drive for environmental protection. In the system, electricity is generated through chemical reactions of hydrogen taken from home gas and oxygen from the air, with heat produced through the reactions.

Japan -- home of the Kyoto Protocol, the global environmental treaty which took effect in February -- has been promoting eco-friendly technology which is the main theme of the ongoing World Exposition in central Aichi province."

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2005/050408115942.ff0tkp9r.html

[xchrom]

1. cool -- now every body get busy

and get this stuff out there for wide spread use.

[kedrys]

2. Japan - the home of the 21-day fuel reserve

Peak oil, anyone?

At least these guys are vaguely on the ball

[donsu]

3. thank you Koisumi & Japan for living in the land of reality

wish we could say the same for america

[sundancekid]

4. what inquiring minds MUST know...recommended for greatest to get info out

[ClarkUSA]

5. Now if only Japan will stop killing whales "for scientific purposes"

and coincidentally having the carcasses all end up in cans or as sushi.

[Coastie for Truth]

6. Check out AvistaLabs (Reli-On) -- Very Similar System in US

a Spokane WA affiliate of Avista Energy -- has a system for integrating fuels cells with the natural gas distribution system. "Reform" the natural gas to get hydrogen for the fuel cell.

http://www.avistalabs.com/about.asp