Ceres Power launches fuel cell product in Japan with partner Miura

Solid oxide fuel cell technology developer Ceres Power announced a first fuel cell product launch using its technology with Japan-based industrial boiler manufacturer Miura on Thursday.

The AIM-traded firm said the new fuel cell system was a 4.2kW combined heat and power unit (CHP) targeting the commercial building sector in Japan.

It said the units would provide both clean energy and hot water to commercial buildings, in a “highly efficient and low carbon” manner.

Japan was one of the most advanced markets in the world for fuel cells, Ceres claimed, making it a key target market for Ceres.

The product launch was the culmination of a collaboration between Ceres and Miura, which was first announced as an unnamed partner on 19 December 2016.

It said it followed a successful joint development programme based on Ceres' ‘SteelCell’ solid oxide fuel cell technology.

Field trials in Japan were said to be underway, with first commercial launch expected with a select number of customers from October, and volumes expected to grow thereafter.

“This product launch with Miura, a first for Ceres, is another important commercial milestone and continues our track record of successfully working with leading Japanese companies,” said Ceres Power chief executive officer Phil Caldwell.

“Japan is an exciting market for the SteelCell®, where awareness of the advantages of full cell technology is high.

“The Japanese government has a clear hydrogen strategy and fully recognises the important role of fuel cells in the vision for realising a low carbon future.”