LIFUEL is an energy-efficient co-generation system, extracting hydrogen from natural gas to use in a chemical reaction with oxygen in the air to generate electricity, while using heat created as a by-product to supply hot water. It is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 40 percent and primary energy consumption by 26 percent compared with conventional systems, the company said.

The monitoring units should be installed at single-family houses located in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and the southern part of Saitama Prefecture where Tokyo Gas supplies gas. Monitors are required to enter into FC Partnership Agreements, under which they agree to cooperate with Tokyo Gas for three years after installation, by answering questionnaires and providing operating data. All data and survey results will be used to improve the performance of LIFUEL.

Tokyo Gas hopes to contribute to the global environment by promoting residential fuel cell co-generation systems.