Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd. recently announced it has been selected as a finalist in the 2010-2011 DuPont Australia and New Zealand Innovation Awards. First held in 2003-2004, the Innovation Awards recognize the commercialization of outstanding science and technology. Ceramic Fuel Cells’ gas-to-electricity technology was selected as a finalist in the Design for a Sustainable Future category of the DuPont awards-the first time this category has been included in the awards. The category attracted entries from throughout Australia and New Zealand; Ceramic Fuel Cells is one of three finalists.

The Design for a Sustainable Future category is a broad-ranging category for innovations adopted for commercial use between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2010, in Australia and/or New Zealand. Entries will be judged on degree of innovation, scope of application (current and potential), commercial significance and benefit (current and potential), degree of collaboration, and environmental sustainability.

Ceramic Fuel Cells’ BlueGen gas-to-electricity units connect to a building’s existing natural gas pipeline and water mains. BlueGen units operate constantly, generating 1.5 kw of electricity plus heat for hot water, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Over the course of a year, each unit can produce about 13,000 kw hours of electricity-more than twice the power needed for an average Australian home. The heat byproduct is enough to produce 200 liters of hot water each day.

Award winners will be announced on May 13 in Melbourne. For additional details, visit www.cfcl.com.au.