BlueGen produces low emission electricity and hot water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving on home energy bills. About the size of a dishwasher, the unit converts natural gas to electricity and heat via ceramic fuel cells.

Premier of Victoria John Brumby launched the product, saying “Innovation is vital to Victoria's response to climate change. Local innovations like Ceramic Fuel Cells’ technology will help to play an important part in reducing the carbon intensity of Victorian homes and businesses. Ceramic Fuel Cells’ technology is a great example of local business delivering sustainable, green jobs and exports for our State.”

The company plans to make the BlueGen product available in Victoria from early 2010 and is in discussions with potential local manufacturing partners.

Ceramic Fuel Cells’ Managing Director Brendan Dow said “Importantly, our units are far more efficient and produce far less carbon dioxide and other emissions than traditional electricity generators like coal-fired power stations.

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“If our units replaced just seven per cent of Victoria's electricity from brown coal, the State would achieve the Federal Government’s target of a five per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, well before 2020. Currently, coal-fired power stations produce 95 per cent of Victoria’s electricity.”

Ceramic Fuel Cells has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VicUrban to showcase the BlueGen units in VicUrban housing developments. Subject to final agreement terms, Ceramic Fuel Cells will install the first BlueGen unit in VicUrban’s Sustainable and Affordable Living Centre in Dandenong to be opened towards the end of 2009, and will install up to three more demonstration units in other VicUrban developments next year.

VicUrban is the Victorian Government’s sustainable urban development agency. One of Victoria’s largest residential land developers, VicUrban has a diverse portfolio of projects including house and land developments in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.