RE: Fuel cells in residential properties and the demise of fossil fuel26 Apr 2026 18:24
Ceres Power's / British Gas product testing.
Ceres Power's 1kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) module, was tested successfully on natural gas, methane, and propane in 2009, which led them to predict the unit could be used domestically during the gradual transition of the natural gas grid to hydrogen, but the company rapidly moved from small-scale domestic micro combined heat and power to larger scale, high-efficiency power 100kW+ systems for grid-scale, industrial, and electrolyser applications. This development further led them into the rapidly escalating AI demand for power which arguably is more attractive than the consumer market. However Ceres Power's model means that the design is still available for licensing should any manufacturer decide to enter that market, especially if ITM'S grid balancing model means any excess hydrogen is fed into the gas grid (currently permissible up to 20%). I personally think this is becoming less likely due to the latest announcement of synthetic fuel production which in it's turn is becoming highly attractive. The twists and turns of market led demands. I have to admit an interest here as I also hold a significant chunk of CWR.