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German firms unveil home power plant project German renewable energy firm Lichtblick and auto giant VolksWagen have unveiled a home power plant project that they say would enable Germany to abandon coal-fired and nuclear power plants. The two companies are launching an ambitious initiative to install miniature gas-fired power plants in people's basements generating heat, hot water and electricity. The project could also help to overcome the problems experienced by the grid network caused by high levels of renewable energy in the system, say the companies. In the coming year some 100 000 of the mini power plants will be installed in homes around Germany, creating a "huge, invisible" power plant with the same capacity as two nuclear plants. VolksWagen will contribute to the project by supplying the gas-powered engine, which will be similar to that used in its Gold cars. The mini power plants will produce 60 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions compared with conventional heat and electricity generation. Excess electricity produced in homes will be fed to the local grid, and the mini power plants could also be mobilised to meet surges in electricity demand or to support the grid. The two companies have called the mini power plant concept "SchwarmStrom" (literally "swarm power) and believe that it could help Germany to reduce dependence on coal and nuclear power stations if deployed on a wide scale. "SchwarmStrom is revolutionising power production in Germany. It clears the way for more renewable energy and an exit from power from nuclear and coal," the companies said in a statement. Households taking part in the scheme will pay EUR5000 for the generator and heating system installation. They would then pay a lower price for heating and receive a "rent" for hosting the generator as well as a bonus at the end of the year based on Lichtblick's electricity revenues. Source: Utility Week © Faversham House Group Ltd 2009. News articles may be copied or forwarded
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