FORMER Science Minister Ian Pearson MP unveiled a revolutionary new eco-friendly fuel system which is powering a house in Lye today (Friday October 10).

The hydrogen fuel cell system, which is generating the house’s electricity, water and central heating, is the result of a £2m project jointly funded by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to demonstrate that hydrogen - one of the earth’s most abundant resources - is a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

The fuel cell, a Baxi Innotech unit - being launched by Black Country Housing Group and the University of Birmingham, is housed in a shed in the back garden of one of BCHG’s new homes in Stocking Street.

Dudley South MP Ian Pearson, the UK’s former Science Minister, said: “I think it’s great to see Black Country Housing Group and the Dudley borough leading the way when it comes to putting fuel cell technology into people’s homes.

“It’s just a pilot at the moment, but this can help people save money on their bills in the long term.”

The installation sees hydrogen extracted from natural gas by a reformer and the hydrogen is then used to produce 1.5KW of electricity, 3KW of heat and hot water that is transferred to a water tank next to the fuel cell.

Heat is circulated through conventional radiators and to the hot water cylinder in the house, while the electricity generated powers the house.

If the house needs less electricity - the extra generated is exported to the National Grid. If it needs more, the extra amount required is imported from the grid.

Richard Baines, director of sustainable development at BCHG - which launched the world’s first house heated by hydrogen fuel cells in 2004, said: “Hydrogen fuel cells are leading the way when it comes to green energy and it’s our belief in this technology that has driven us to install the fuel cell.”

Hydrogen, a component of water, produces no carbon emissions - and unlike coal or gas it is more efficient in operation.

It is hoped in the future it can be piped to individual homes and buildings - and The University of Birmingham is leading a research project to learn more about hydrogen and fuel cells for domestic use.

Professor Kevin Kendall, lead investigator from the university’s School of Chemical Engineering, said: “Ultimately all our homes will have these units.

“But first, more research and industry development is needed to optimise the technology.”

A supply chain is also being established in the West Midlands to allow small businesses to manufacture components for what promises to be a growing market in the new technology.