The first stage of the project involves building two Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems. The CHPs will provide both heat and electrical power to the two unplugged houses in Northmavine, Shetland Islands. They will be based on state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell technology. This technology is seen as the way forward to increasing energy efficiency for houses, housing estates and building. With an efficiency of just over 90%, the CHP technology offers a great hope for every individual to generate their own ‘personal clean energy’.

The second stage of the project will see the development of a renewable hydrogen scheme at the house site. The final stage will see the development of a renewable hydrogen refuelling station. This will be used in conjunction with a set of unique hydrogen cars providing a complete ‘personal clean energy‘ solution to every house. If the project proves successful, PEC, in partnership with the FCS and HHA hope to drive down cost of building ‘personal clean unplugged houses’ in less than five years.

Bryan Leask of Hjaltland Housing Association said ' Hjaltland Housing Association are delighted with the announcement of funding to assist in the development of the next generation of housing. With the current Government aspirations of zero carbon footprints and the reduction of fuel poverty , the use of hydrogen technology is at the forefront of our ability to achieve these aims. We look forward wot working the the Pure Energy Centre and Fuel Cell Scotland on this very exciting project.'

The CHP, powered by clean hydrogen fuel cells, has a worldwide market of over $2 Billion a year. This offers a unique opportunity for all the companies involved. As the CHPs use renewable hydrogen, the complete unplugged housing scheme will run with no emissions, thereby providing a unique selling point. Daniel Aklil, MD Pure Energy Centre the company that develops individual renewable energy systems, said that “40% of the worldwide population live with no access to electricity and heat. The CHP scheme will provide these populations with such access. It will also provide communities around the world with access to clean hydrogen fuel to power clean vehicles.”

This innovative partnership is being supported by the Scottish Executive Renewable Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Scheme.

Ed Angus of Fuel cell Scotland, the company who developed the fuel cell technology said “we are delighted to be in partnership with Pure Energy Centre and Hjaltland Housing Association in this prime example of Scottish technology that promises to be a world beating renewable energy solution powered by a unique fuel cell stack.”