• Development of micro-CHP systems especially for detached houses
• Economical and environment-friendly energy and heat supply
• Vaillant and Honda successful with heat-power cogeneration for years
  

Remscheid, 27 September 2009 – The Remscheid-based heating and air-conditioning technology specialist Vaillant and the Japanese technology concern Honda will from October 2009 equip detached houses throughout Germany with gas-powered micro-cogeneration heat and power systems and thus test the technology under real operating conditions. The micro-CHP units ensure efficient, environment-friendly and cost-effective generation of heat and power. With the test, heating technology specialist Vaillant and Honda, the world's largest engine manufacturer, are carrying out the second step of their joint development work, which was sealed at the beginning of 2009 with a cooperation agreement. The objective of the cooperation is, for the first time in Europe, to bring to market efficient micro-CHP systems especially for use in detached houses. So far in Europe, cogeneration has been used almost exclusively in industry, the district heating sector and in large real estate. Now the technology is opening up to the wide market of the private customers who for the economical employment of cogeneration need significantly lower output levels than utilised to date. The system developed by Honda and Vaillant has an output of 1 kW electrical and 2.8 kW thermal power

Cogeneration of heat and power: an investment that pays off several times
The consumers draw multiple benefits from using cogeneration in their own properties. The German government financially rewards the investment in the environment-friendly technology with a subsidy. For the ecopower micro-CHP system with an electrical output of 4.7 kW that Vaillant already offers, the subsidy is worth up to €7,212,50. In addition, the operator receives for the entire electricity generated over 10 years a lucrative CHP bonus – regardless of whether the power was produced for his own use or for public consumption. At present, this bonus is 5.11 eurocents per kWh. If the system owner feeds non-used electricity into the supply grid the payment doubles in line with the current electricity price to more than 10 eurocents per kWh. Moreover, power from micro-CHP systems is exempt from electricity tax indefinitely, and there is also no energy tax on the fuel used. The owner also saves heating and power costs by the efficient use of energy. The subjection to increases in electricity prices is lower because a large part of the power needed is produced at home. Electricity generated surplus to own need is fed into the grid. And finally, the private user ensures by his own power production that the electricity used in his home is efficient and energy saving.

Vaillant and Honda combine expertise of many years
The two development partners Vaillant and Honda have been internationally successful with micro-CHP systems for years. Vaillant sells under the product name ecopower gas-powered micro-CHP units on the European market. With output classes of 3 kW and 5 kW, these small CHP units ensure efficient generation of heat and power for large single-family houses, multi-family houses and commercial buildings. Vaillant is one of the European market leaders in this sector. The first ecopower appliance was installed as early as 1999. As the only micro-CHP system on the market, the ecopower works in modulating mode. This means the output of the unit aligns itself on its user's individual need for heat and thereby achieves maximum economic efficiency.
Honda is already offering gas-powered Micro-cogeneration units in Japan and the U.S.A. for the use in detached houses for several years. So far, more than 80,000 systems have already been sold and installed in the two countries. Honda utilizes since many years its production know-how for the serial production of these power products.

About Honda
Honda develops, manufactures and markets automobiles, motorcycles, outboard engines and power equipment for the global market. The development of environmentally friendly technologies and products such as hybrid and fuel cell vehicles or the MCHP units have been the highest priority since the company's foundation in 1948. With an annual production of over 24 million units, Honda is largest engine manufacturer in the world. Honda employs over 175,000 employees and has 68 principal manufacturing facilities in 28 countries.

About Vaillant Group
The Vaillant Group is an internationally operating heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technology concern based in Remscheid, Germany. As one of the world's market and technology leaders, the Vaillant Group develops and produces tailor-made products, systems and services for domestic comfort. The product portfolio ranges from efficient heating appliances based on customary fuels to system solutions for using regenerative energy sources. In financial year 2008 the company, which has been family-owned since its founding in 1874, achieved with almost 13,000 employees sales totalling €2.4 billion.

Contact
Dr Jens Wichtermann
Head of Corporate Communications
Vaillant Group
D-42850 Remscheid
Phone: +49 2191 18-2754
Fax: +49 2191 18-2895
Mobile: +49 175 2951810
jens.wichtermann@vaillant.de
www.vaillant-group.com