About 2,200 homes in Japan are being powered by hydrogen fuel cells which produce a third less than the pollution of normal electricity.

It is thought to be easier to use fuel cells in Japan compared to many other countries because most homes are supplied with natural gas and Roger Dougal from the University of South Carolina believes cost could hinder their progress in the US.

The Electrical Engineering Professor told the Associated Press: "Ultimately, I expect that some fraction of homes will use this technology, but it will be a very long time before a sizable fraction does."

Businessman Masanori Naruse lives in one of Japan's fuel cells homes and pays about $9,500 for a ten-year lease on the test fuel cell.

Matsushita Electrical Industrial is leasing the fuel cells and plans to offer them for commercial production by 2009.

Professor Bruce Rittman, Director for the Center for Environmental Biotechnology at Arizona State University said fuel cells have lots of benefits.

"Fuel cells are wonderful devices because they provide combustionless, pollution-free electricity," he said.

Source:

Fuel Cells Make Power for Homes in Japan, 03/03/08
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jvsTtliKeHk2qQNuhdSKOuvQvoDwD8V665104

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