what we know about bluegen running costs

Some of the information from the Smart House project in NSW running since July 2010 includes information on the Bluegen used. Including the amount of gas used, power generated as well as the supplied cost of $45K for the unit.

The BlueGen consumes around 220 MJ of gas per day which costs around $4.10.

The BlueGen produces approx. 35kw day = 12,775kw per year

Also required is a 3yr $1,500 Filter change, along with yearly services to do filter changes on water and gas inputs.

So as an example say you received a credit price (Feed in Tarrif) of roughly the same as your cost of electricity, eg. approx 20c/kWh in peak times, and approx 4c/kWh offpeak. (NSW figures, and note no such FIT exists).

If you sold all your power back at the peak rate of 20c/kWh 24*365 you have a multi decade payback!

http://www.smarthomefamily.com.au/smart-home-stats

From company information we also know the core Gennex module used in Bluegen has a lifespan only of up-to 5 year, after which it requires replacing.

Some of this information is from the NECO FAQ site.

The current price for a BlueGen unit including installation and 2-years maintenance is $45,000. After 2 years, users would be able to extend their maintenance contract for a further 3 years at a cost of around $24,000 (includes replacement fuel stack).

Is BlueGen available for purchase?

Yes. To purchase a BlueGen unit, please contact us on 1300 882 640. A deposit of 20 per cent of the total purchase price is required to confirm your order. Delivery dates will be dependent on manufacturing lead times, and the time taken to obtain local approval for the units. Approvals have only been granted in Victoria at this stage, but other jurisdications are likely to follow based on Victoria?s lead.

http://www.neco.com.au/index.php/fuel-cell/bluegenfaqs/

As someone has pointed out. Apart from the current lifespan of the gennex module, the primary issue is total running costs do not come close to providing a reasonable payback period. CFU themselves have indicated they are working to reduce the cost of production however they need to do this by an order of magnitude.