The aim of the NIP is to further develop the high standard that has already been achieved in Germany and also to give it the crucial momentum necessary to launch the next development phase – preparation of the market. Following low-temperature and condensing boiler technology, cogeneration with fuel cells will represent the next technological leap forward in the field of household energy supply.

The technology will be tested for everyday practicability in broadly based demonstration projects (lighthouse projects). In cooperation between manufacturers and energy supply companies, fuel cell heating systems are to be installed at pilot customers in residential buildings and business operations. The much larger number of systems compared with individual test installations is intended to enable manufacturers to develop and test the next stage of their production processes, in order to establish the basis for future series production.

Project results are to be publicized to a broad interested public.

The project will take place in two phases and at two levels (R&D and demonstration) (see diagram).

Phase 1 is concerned with the development of materials, components and systems, which will be tested in the accompanying demonstration. Findings from Phase 1 will flow into the R&D work of Phase 2, in which more than 2000 household energy systems will be in practical use.

On the methane reforming front, the aim is to develop new, long-lasting components. The integration of gas processing into the overall system should lead to compact and inexpensive solutions. In the longer term there are plans for reformers for other fuels such as LPG and zero-sulphur heating oil. Efficiency levels and system lifetimes are to be taken as milestones.

Important considerations in the fuel cell stack are increasing useful life (10,000 h in the first phase and 25,000 h in the second phase) and improving reliability, and also further developing production processes for both types of cells.

In the case of PEMFC development in the low-temperature sector, the most important technical objectives are to increase stack power density, reduce precious metal content and water throughput, make operation largely independent of the mains water supply, and increase tolerance with regard to CO and sulphur. In addition, the CO-resistant high-temperature membrane (120-200°C) opens up prospects of a highly promising technology, with a view to simplified gas processing and heat exchangers.

For SOFC cells the aim is to reduce the dependence of power density on operating temperature, and at the same time to improve their mechanical strength, robustness and stability in relation to load changes. Heat management in the fuel cell stack is to be improved by means of new constructional solutions in combination with the use of new materials. The redox stability of the stacks (access of small quantities of oxygen to the anode side of the cells in the hot operating state) and their stability in the face of fluctuations in thermal load are an important precondition for the development of series-ready small-capacity SOFC systems.

Time-saving life cycle tests and simulation procedures are to be developed for the individual components and the overall systems. Other important cost-reduction goals include further development of the production processes and optimization of system integration of fuel cell heating systems. 

By means of practical use and initial and further training measures, the projects prepare the market partners (installers, planners, architects, universities and the ultimate customers) for the broad market introduction of fuel cell systems.

The aim is to set the supply chain in motion by increasing numbers and to create an initial market for component suppliers. This will retrospectively make it possible to reduce costs and make the investment more attractive for end consumers. The effects of decentralized energy production systems on electrical grids are also to be identified and virtual power plants tried out. Furthermore, the findings are to result in targeted R&D work for the next generation of fuel cell systems and serve to optimize the products so that they are completely ready for the market.

Further aims include further improvement of customer acceptance, the further development of the legal framework conditions, and practical verification of the CO₂ savings potential.