Sales of fuel cells for use in the home, referred to as “ENE-FARM,” are increasing sharply. It was considered that for 2011 that sales would treble.

With cogeneration, which simultaneously supplies electricity and heat, energy is saved and there is an improvement in the environment. In addition, this is now being installed as a dispersed type power generation system due to the awareness of the dangers involving the more integrated supply of electricity, sparked off by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

ENE-FARM utilize city gas (natural gas) and LP gas cracking. Using the hydrogen obtained this way and then the oxygen contained in the air, this system generates electricity with fuel cells, and recovers the heat generated at the same time. This is reused for things such as supplying hot water. The 1 kW crass fuel cell systems for home use has been standardized throughout the industry, and is referred to as ENE-FARM. In April of 2009, sales of this system began in Japan, taking the lead over the rest of the world. During the 3 year period up to now sales have totaled about 25,000 units.

The uncertainty in the more structured supply of electricity touched off by shutting down of the nuclear power plants has continued into 2012. The demand of the users for a dispersed system of electricity supply has risen to a greater extent than before. Greater sales are anticipated because of this.

What is of note is that although looked at from the point of view of cost and earnings, although this may not necessarily be expected to pay off, the number of units sold in 2011 increased. Just because of this, what can be seen is the touchy reaction on the part of the users regarding the dangers of more structured power supply. Sales companies is aiming to ride the tail wind with working toward holding down costs in conjunction with the fuel cell manufacturers, and coming out with new items with improved efficiency.