Originally published January 8 2006
Toyota turns focus to developing fuel cell systems that will power houses
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In cooperation with automotive parts maker Aisin Seiki Co. and Toho Gas Co., Toyota is now testing fuel cell power systems that would provide homes with electricity, and many officials believe the technology could hit the market in the next few years.
Toyota Motor Corp. is developing fuel cells to generate electricity in the home, following its successful development of environmentally friendly fuel-cell cars, in a bid to emphasize its clean technology in both its vehicle and housing divisions, company officials said Wednesday.
The country's largest automaker has tied up with automotive parts maker Aisin Seiki Co. to market fuel cells for home use within several years, they said.
It has already been cooperating with Toho Gas Co. to test fuel-cell cogeneration systems in homes in central Japan, Toyota officials said.
The fuel-cell system makes hydrogen gas from natural gas, petroleum gas or kerosene and uses a hydrogen-oxygen chemical reaction to generate electricity and provide hot water.
Toyota is also planning to take part in government-subsidized fuel-cell demonstration tests, in which many gas utilities and fuel-cell makers will participate, they said.
Tokyo Gas Co. teamed up with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. to create a fuel-cell system leasing program last February in a bid to sell thousands of generators annually in and after fiscal 2008.
Other major machinery makers, including Toshiba Corp., have also been racing to develop cheaper fuel-cell systems.
If home fuel-cell systems are to take off, the price will have to fall to around 500,000 yen, with improved durability, Toyota officials said.
Currently available systems cost more than 10 times that figure.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml