Callux, Practical Tests for Fuel Cells in a Domestic Setting

The German Ministry for Transport, Construction and Urban Development (BMVBS), launched together with nine partners from industry Germany’s biggest practical test for fuel cell heating systems for domestic use under the project name Callux. As part of the national innovation program for hydrogen and fuel cell technology, which is coordinated by NOW GmbH, the industry, together with the BMVBS, is investing one billion Euros in promoting the use of this innovative technology.

Fuel cell heaters provide environmentally friendly heat and power at a domestic level. The benefits of the system lie-in the decentralized production of energy, which is achieved with comparatively high efficiency levels.

In addition, fuel cell heaters also produce thermal energy, which can be used to heat living spaces. Ex-minister Wolfgang Tiefensee is convinced: „Fuel cells are an important option for sustainable, economical energy supply in a domestic setting. The ‚Callux Light House‘ project marks the start of a collaboration with partners from industry in producing an exemplary initiative that is immensely practical in nature - this constitutes one of the world’s largest practical tests for the use of fuel cells in buildings.“

The partners of the consortium are optimistic that a sufficient number of fuel cell heaters will be installed throughout Germany in the first phase of the project, by 2012, that it will be possible to start the second phase of preparing the market immediately thereafter. Three system manufacturers are involved in the project - BAXI INNOTECH, Hexis and Vaillant - as well as five utility companies - EnBW, E.ON Ruhrgas, EWE, MVV Energie, VNG Verbundnetz Gas.

At project level, the Callux project is coordinated by the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW).

Please click here to download english press releases of Callux.

Please click here to download an english presentation of Callux.

Please click on the image below to watch the english film of Callux.