As part of the competitively selected project, Plug Power will design, build, install and test the high-temperature GenSys unit. National Grid will facilitate site selection and installation and analyze the performance of the system, collecting critical data. Collaboratively, Plug Power and National Grid will determine system refinements for incorporation into the next-generation system design.

``This is a pivotal point in time for Plug Power, as we watch GenSys, the future of residential and light commercial CHP appliances, enter its first field trial under real-world working conditions,'' said Andy Marsh, president and CEO of Plug Power. ``Plug Power has dedicated a decade to the development of its residential system. Our partnership with National Grid will help expedite commercialization, making 20%-40% reduction in home energy costs and 35% reduction in home carbon emissions obtainable for consumers.''

Plug Power's current CHP fuel cell unit is the result of many years of development activity that began with trials at the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). Research, development and testing done at LIPA provided valuable data from which Plug Power developed appropriate technology for light commercial and residential applications. For example, the high-temperature proton exchange membrane supplied by BASF Fuel Cell GmbH allows for higher CO tolerance which simplifies fuel processing. This results in improved reliability and lower costs.

``National Grid is looking forward to working with Plug Power. We believe this technology has the potential to provide great benefits for our customers, the environment and the emergent green economy in New York,'' said Stan Blazewicz, vice president, Head of Global Technology at National Grid.

Plug Power's high-temperature GenSys fuel cell unit will be on display today and tomorrow, November 19-20, at the Advanced Energy Conference at the Hyatt Regency Windwatch in Hauppauge, New York.