I haven’t been following LENR, but this would seem to be a Big F’n Deal, to quote Plugs.
Even if the energy output is less than the input, being able to change elements like this would seem to be pretty extraordinary under these conditions.
I have always thought that this process will lead to a new understanding of nuclear physics. It implies that you could have a nuclear generator (without radiation) in your basement generating electricity for quite a few years unattended.
To me, the excitement in this is potential understanding of deuterium-rich transmutations / formation processes for heavy element creation inside stars. IMHO, cosmological theory and the “big bang” explanation of Creation just got a whole lot more real...
Up to this point, LENR has been a disappointment, with Rossi's device showing a lot of initial promise, but dissolving into hype.
When heavy-hitters like Mitsubishi and Toyota start announcing results, it's time to grab a cup of coffee and pay attention. They would not risk losing face unless they had subjected their results to a LOT of checking and were sure it was the Real Deal.