In this blog, we address these questions and more while also highlighting Bloom Energy’s increasingly important role in accelerating heat capture technology use.

What Is Heat Capture?

Heat capture involves collecting and reusing heat that would otherwise be lost during industrial processes, energy generation, or even from the exhaust of vehicles. For example, when a power plant burns fuel to generate electricity, only about 40% of the energy is converted into usable electricity. The remaining 60% escapes as waste heat. Similarly, manufacturing plants often emit significant heat into the air or water during production.

By capturing this otherwise wasted energy and putting it to good use, industries can improve efficiency and reduce their reliance on carbon-emitting energy sources. The captured heat can be utilized for a wide variety of purposes – such as powering turbines, warming buildings, or even being converted into electricity using technologies like thermoelectric generators.

How Can Heat Capture Heat Up the Race to Net Zero?

Heat capture has immense potential to accelerate global decarbonization efforts. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), capturing and reusing industrial waste heat could offset up to 20% of global industrial energy demand. In carbon terms, this equates to avoiding hundreds of millions of tons of emissions annually.

The concept also aligns well with renewable energy adoption. For instance, some solar thermal plants already use waste heat capture to enhance efficiency. Coupled with renewable technologies, waste heat systems can further minimize the carbon footprint of energy-intensive processes.

Is Heat Capture Widely Used? The answer is surprisingly not yet – but times are changing.

Even despite its benefits, heat capture remains underutilized. Many industries are still unaware of the full potential of waste heat recovery, or they have concerns over upfront investment costs. In some regions, low-cost, affordable energy prices also deter companies from investing in more innovative efficiency measures.

Nonetheless, the potential for heat capture technology is enormous. A report by the Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that U.S. industries alone waste over 1,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy annually in the form of heat—equivalent to about 15% of the country’s total energy consumption.

Globally, the numbers are even more staggering. According to an analysis by McKinsey & Company, a multinational strategy and management consulting firm, at least 3,100 thermal terawatt-hours (TWh_th) of feasible waste heat is currently not being captured.

However, emerging innovations are enhancing interest and increasing adoption of this promising technology.

New Factors Are Increasing Heat Capture Adoption

Recent developments in heat recovery technology have reduced costs and improved efficiency, significantly enhancing interest in its industrial use. For example, technological advances, such as Bloom Energy’s decision to integrate heat capture technology into its innovative Bloom Energy Server^®, have caused energy efficiency levels to skyrocket and enhanced the overall economics of the solution.

With a platform based on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology, the Bloom Energy Server operates at temperatures above 800 ̊C, creating clean energy at one of the highest combined heat and power efficiency levels in the market today. By adding heat capture configuration capabilities into its servers, the total combined system efficiency can reach a lifetime average efficiency of >90%.

The Bloom Energy Server with Heat Capture is scalable with building blocks starting at 195 kW to multiple MW systems, custom-designed to fit any customer need. It can be installed at ground level or as a Power Tower with Heat Capture.

Other Leading Factors Fueling Heat Capture Use

1. Energy Crisis and Rising Costs
   Global energy price surges have highlighted the importance of energy efficiency. Heat capture offers a way to reduce dependence on external energy supplies, especially in regions grappling with volatile fuel markets.
2. Climate Policies and Net-Zero Commitments
   Governments worldwide are introducing stricter emissions regulations and incentives for green technologies. The European Union, for instance, promotes district heating systems that integrate waste heat recovery. Similarly, tax credits and grants in countries like the U.S. encourage industries to invest in energy efficiency measures.
3. Corporate Sustainability Goals
   With pressure mounting from stakeholders, investors, and consumers, many companies are adopting sustainability strategies. Heat capture aligns perfectly with these goals, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint while saving on energy costs.

Innovative Heat Capture Benefits Across Mission-Critical Sectors

Data Centers: As digital infrastructure grows, the significant heat generated by servers can be captured for other purposes, such as warming nearby buildings.

Urban Heat Networks: District heating systems in cities can integrate waste heat from factories, power plants, or commercial buildings.

Transportation: Technologies to recover heat from vehicle engines or even trains can improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector.

The Path Forward Led by Heat Capture

In a world where every degree of efficiency matters, heat capture is more than just a technical fix—it’s a step toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. By embracing this underutilized energy source, the world can move closer to balancing the energy equation and achieving the ambitious goal of net-zero emissions.

Heat Capture FAQs

1. What Is Heat Capture?
   Heat capture involves reclaiming heat lost during industrial processes, energy production, and even vehicle operation. By recovering and repurposing this otherwise wasted energy, industries can boost efficiency and reduce dependence on carbon-emitting energy sources. The reclaimed heat can be used to heat or cool buildings, or even generate electricity through technologies like thermoelectric generators.
2. Is Heat Capture important in helping the world reach its net-zero goals?
   Heat capture holds significant promise for advancing global decarbonization. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that reusing industrial waste heat could meet up to 20% of the world’s industrial energy needs. This would prevent the release of hundreds of millions of tons of carbon emissions each year.
3. Is Heat Capture use growing?
   While currently under-utilized, recent developments in heat recovery technology have reduced costs and improved efficiency, significantly enhancing interest in its industrial use. For example, technological advances, such as Bloom Energy’s heat capture technology integrated with its innovative Bloom Energy Server, have caused energy efficiency levels to skyrocket and enhanced the overall economics of the solution.

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Microgrids represent a paradigm shift in the approach to local energy generation, distribution, and consumption. From traditional methods to more innovative and sustainable practices, they offer a flexible, efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional power systems, particularly in areas prone to outages or lacking robust infrastructure.

But they are not just miniature versions of the larger power grid; they are sophisticated, dynamic systems capable of producing, storing, and distributing power independently. Their ability to operate independently during grid failures provides a resilient energy supply, ensuring continuous power in emergencies or natural disasters. This capability makes them invaluable in situations where the electric grid may be unstable but energy reliability and sustainability are of utmost importance.

Let’s take a closer look into what are microgrids and how they play an integral role in today’s energy transition landscape.

Understanding Microgrids: The Building Blocks of a Resilient Energy System

One of the key characteristics of microgrids is their ability to operate both in conjunction with the traditional power grid and independently. This dual-mode operation is what sets microgrids apart. In normal circumstances, microgrids work in harmony with the main grid, supplementing the power supply and enhancing reliability. However, during power outages or other grid disturbances, microgrids can seamlessly transition to island mode, maintaining power supply to their local area indefinitely.

Microgrids can integrate a variety of sources of energy generation, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and even fuel cells like those that power the Bloom Energy Servers®. Some microgrids include energy storage systems like batteries, which store excess energy and provide backup power when needed. Advanced control systems are the brains of the microgrid, intelligently managing the power generators, as well as the distribution of power to ensure efficiency and stability. The control systems are responsible for real-time decisions, like balancing energy supply and demand, switching between different power sources, and seamlessly transitioning between grid-connected and island modes. This intelligent management is essential for maximizing the performance and reliability of microgrid solutions like Bloom’s.

Microgrids are not a one-size-fits-all solution, though. They are highly customizable and designed to meet the unique needs of their specific locale. This customization is essential for areas with specific energy requirements or where grid reliability is a concern. By utilizing a combination of renewable energy sources and state-of-the-art technology, microgrids not only contribute to reducing carbon footprints but also ensure a more resilient and reliable energy supply.

Microgrids will be instrumental in transitioning from traditional energy models to more decentralized, cleaner, and resilient systems, paving the way for a future where energy security and sustainability go hand in hand

Types of Microgrids: Diverse Solutions for Energy Independence

Microgrids come in various forms, each tailored to meet specific energy needs and environmental conditions. Understanding the different types of microgrids is crucial for recognizing their potential applications and advantages.

• Wind-powered microgrids harness the power of the wind through turbines, transforming kinetic energy into electricity. This type of microgrid offers a clean and sustainable power source, particularly effective in regions with steady wind conditions. However, their reliance on wind makes them susceptible to weather fluctuations and require ample space for turbine installation. They are most applicable in geographical areas like coastal regions, open plains, or high-altitude locales where wind resources are abundant and consistent.
• Solar-powered microgrids operate by using photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy. They can be advantageous due to their low operational costs, minimal maintenance requirements, and quiet operation. However, their energy output is contingent on weather conditions and daylight availability, often necessitating additional energy storage solutions. Solar-powered microgrids are especially suitable for sunny regions, serving both remote and rural communities, as well as urban environments where solar exposure is abundant.
• Fuel cell microgrids, often powered by hydrogen or natural gas, stand out for their high efficiency and low emissions. These systems generate electricity through electrochemical reactions, making them a reliable and clean energy source. While offering a more consistent power output than some renewable sources, they can be limited by the availability of fuel sources like hydrogen. Fuel cell microgrids are particularly fitting for urban settings, healthcare facilities, and regions with stringent environmental regulations, where clean, efficient energy is paramount.
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) microgrids represent a highly efficient use of fuel by simultaneously generating electricity and useful thermal energy from a single energy source. Typically fueled by natural gas, these systems are known for their efficiency, as they capture and utilize heat that would otherwise be wasted in the electricity generation process. This dual-purpose approach leads to significant reductions in energy costs and carbon emissions, making CHP microgrids an environmentally and economically sound choice. However, they do rely on the availability and price stability of natural gas. CHP microgrids are particularly beneficial in settings where both electricity and heating are consistently in demand, such as industrial complexes, large residential buildings, and hospitals, where they can dramatically improve energy efficiency and reliability.

Each type of microgrid has its unique strengths, catering to different energy needs and environmental priorities.

Fuel Cells and Renewable Sources: Elevating Microgrid Capabilities

Building on the diverse types of microgrids, the role of renewable energy sources marks a significant stride in enhancing microgrid capabilities. Fuel cells in microgrids are not just a technological leap; they are pivotal in steering these systems toward greater sustainability and efficiency.

Fuel cells, known for their high efficiency and low emissions, become even more impactful when powered by renewable fuels. The use of hydrogen, especially green hydrogen produced through renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, transforms fuel cells into zero-emission energy generators. This integration is significant, aligning with global efforts to decarbonize energy systems.

Biogas is another renewable source that plays a vital role in the renewable energy conversation. Derived from organic waste, biogas used in fuel cells enables a circular energy economy, turning waste into power while significantly cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions. This approach not only makes renewable energy microgrids more sustainable but also adds an element of resource efficiency, tapping into locally available energy sources.

The inclusion of these renewable energy sources in microgrids enhances their application scope. For instance, agricultural communities can benefit immensely from biogas-powered microgrids, turning waste from farming activities into a valuable energy resource. Similarly, urban microgrids can leverage hydrogen fuel cells to provide clean, efficient energy, aligning with urban sustainability goals.

Additionally, the versatility of fuel cells, capable of being integrated with other renewable sources like solar and wind, elevates the concept of microgrid energy. These hybrid systems can offer more consistent and reliable power, balancing the intermittency of solar and wind energy with the steady output from fuel cells. This hybrid approach ensures a continuous power supply, which is essential for critical infrastructure and remote locations.

Advanced Technology in Microgrids: Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)

Central to the innovations of companies like Bloom, SOFCs are redefining the capabilities of microgrid technology. Characterized by their high efficiency, lower emissions, and adaptability to various fuels, SOFCs are not just an enhancement but an important piece of the energy puzzle. SOFC microgrid technology bridges the gap between traditional energy methods and future demands for cleaner, more efficient power solutions.

The Bloom Energy Server operates entirely without combustion, generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction that separates hydrogen from the fuel source. This process results in the production of electricity, heat, and pure CO2, with negligible NOx or SOx emissions. By avoiding combustion, the Energy Server reduces carbon emissions by 25% – 30% compared to traditional combustion-based utility technologies. Recognizing the current limitations in hydrogen availability and economics, Bloom has optimized its Energy Server for operation with pipeline natural gas through steam reformation, allowing for a seamless transition to hydrogen or carbon-free biogas in the future. With its availability and future-proof design, Bloom is bridging the current reliance on natural gas with the forthcoming shift to carbon-free fuels like green hydrogen.

The technological advancements in SOFCs also include improvements in durability and reductions in cost, making them more viable for a wider range of applications. Future developments are likely to focus on further enhancing efficiency, reducing operational costs, and expanding the scalability of these systems.

Benefits of Microgrids: A Triple Impact on Society, Economy, and Environment

Microgrids, with their advanced technology and innovative energy solutions, offer a myriad of benefits spanning environmental, economic, and social domains.

Environmental Benefits: Microgrids play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy use. By integrating renewable sources like solar and wind, along with energy-efficient technologies like fuel cells and advanced other energy storage systems, microgrids minimize reliance on fossil fuels. A notable example is the microgrid installed at The University of San Diego. The university’s commitment to climate action is exemplified through its collaboration with Bloom Energy to install a 1MW microgrid at its San Diego headquarters. This initiative is a crucial component of the University’s Climate Action Plan, leveraging Bloom’s advanced energy technology to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable energy practices on campus.

Economic Advantages: Economically, microgrids offer cost savings, energy independence, and resilience against energy price volatility. In the context of data centers, the economic benefits of microgrids are especially critical. According to a 2023 report by the Uptime Institute, the cost of data center outages is escalating. The frequency of outages may be reduced, but the financial impact is growing significantly. In 2022, 25% of reported outages cost over $1 million, up from previous years. This increase in outage costs can be attributed to the growing dependency on digital infrastructure and the higher costs of equipment and services due to inflation. By ensuring an uninterrupted power supply, Bloom’s microgrid technology helps data centers avoid severe financial losses.

Social Impact: On the social front, microgrids enhance energy security and reliability, which is particularly important in areas prone to natural disasters or where the main grid is unreliable. They ensure a continuous power supply, vital for critical facilities like hospitals and emergency services. A notable instance was during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Bloom Energy’s first large-scale utility project with Delmarva Power, a 3MW installation at the Brookside Substation in New Castle, DE, continued generating clean and consistent power even as the hurricane passed directly over it. This uninterrupted operation under such challenging conditions exemplifies how microgrids not only enhance energy security but also ensure the continuous operation of essential services during extreme weather events.

Challenges and Considerations in Microgrid Implementation

While microgrids offer a promising future for the power system infrastructure, their implementation comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding these hurdles is crucial for developing effective strategies and driving the successful integration of microgrids into our broader energy landscape.

A primary challenge in implementing microgrids involves the complexity of their design and operation. Microgrids must seamlessly integrate various distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines, or other energy storage systems. This integration requires sophisticated control systems to manage the variable output of renewable sources and ensure a stable and reliable power supply. Additionally, the transition between grid-connected and island modes can pose technical challenges, requiring advanced automation and reliable communication systems.

Additionally, regulatory frameworks and policies have not always kept pace with the technological advancements in microgrid innovations. There can be regulatory hurdles related to grid interconnection, electricity tariffs, and standards for safety and reliability. These issues can impede the growth and scalability of microgrid projects, particularly in regions where the regulatory environment is not yet conducive to alternative energy solutions.

Finally, the initial investment for microgrid installation can be substantial, especially when it includes state-of-the-art technologies and renewable energy systems. Securing funding and achieving cost-effectiveness can remain significant challenges for many microgrid projects. While long-term savings and environmental benefits are clear, the upfront costs can be a deterrent for some communities and businesses.

Nevertheless, in the face of these challenges, the future of microgrids is promising, with ongoing technological advancements and increasing awareness of their benefits. To overcome existing challenges, a collaborative approach involving government, industry, and communities is essential.

How Microgrids Power a Sustainable Future

As we have explored throughout this article, microgrids stand at the forefront of revolutionizing our modern energy landscape. They are not just a supplementary power system; they represent a holistic approach towards achieving sustainability, resilience, and efficiency in energy management. By integrating renewable energy sources, employing advanced technologies like solid oxide fuel cells, and addressing specific community needs, microgrids are paving the way for a more reliable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable future.

The environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions, the economic advantages of cost savings and energy independence, and the social impact of enhanced reliability and community empowerment underscore the multifaceted importance of microgrids. While there are challenges in their implementation, the potential solutions and future outlook for microgrids are overwhelmingly positive, indicating a significant role for them in our journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Ready to explore how Bloom Energy’s innovative microgrid solutions can elevate your energy strategy? Connect with our team of experts to tailor a solution that aligns with your unique energy needs. Together, let’s power a more sustainable and resilient future. Contact Us to start your journey towards efficient and reliable energy management with Bloom Energy.

FAQ Section

Q1: What are microgrids?
A microgrid is a localized power source that can operate connected to or disconnected from the traditional grid. It can function independently and is often powered by renewable energy sources. Microgrids provide efficient, sustainable, and reliable energy, especially useful in remote or isolated areas.

Q2: How do microgrids contribute to sustainable energy solutions?
Microgrids contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions by integrating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biogas. They reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease carbon emissions, and support energy independence. Their ability to operate independently also enhances resilience against power outages, making them crucial in areas affected by natural disasters or grid instability.

Q3: What are the latest innovations in microgrid technology?
Recent innovations in microgrid technology include advancements in energy storage, such as smart grid technologies that enable better integration and management of various energy resources. The development of solid oxide fuel cells, which offer high efficiency and can run on multiple fuel types, is another significant advancement. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for optimizing energy distribution and management is emerging as a key trend in microgrid technology.

The post What are Microgrids? Alternative Energy Solutions for a Clean, Resilient Future appeared first on Bloom Energy.

I hadn’t been to Ecomondo before, but I really liked its energy: 70,000 people all looking for ways to be as sustainable and energy independent as the world now needs us to be. While their solutions may not be in place this winter to blunt the impact of Russia’s disruption, they are moving, unmistakably, in the right direction.

Bloom Energy is moving with them. Our fuel cells and electrolyzers can be an important element in Europe’s energy independence plans, and our partnership with Cefla will help make that a reality. The engineering, procurement and construction company will deploy Bloom’s highly efficient Energy Servers™, which can be configured to replace traditional combined heat and power (CHP) systems. This will help companies to address the gas reduction requirement recently approved by European Union energy ministers. Ferrari has added a 1 megawatt (MW) Bloom fuel cell platform at its Maranello, Italy, plant that will consume 20% less natural gas than conventional combustion power generation.

Fuel cells can also put CHP cogeneration on the path to full decarbonization. Combustion-based CHP systems– gas turbines, reciprocating engines and microturbines—produce particulates, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. But with fuel cells, NOx and SOx emissions are negligible, as are particulates and methane, and CO2 is significantly reduced. Fuel cells also can operate on responsibly sourced gas, biogas, hydrogen, or a blend of fuels.

Bloom Energy and Cefla at Ecomondo in Rimini, Italy

Biogas from wastewater treatment plants and farms

While Europe now faces a natural gas shortage, it has other options. Every major city has large sewage plants, which means that they have access to biogas that is largely vented off now.

When the organic waste left after sewage treatment decomposes anaerobically, it generates large amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Instead, the waste can be put through a digester and turned into a biogas that can be fed into a fuel cell. Water utilities can then use their own power to run their treatment operations. Reducing energy usage is one of the key objectives of the pending revision of the EU directive on wastewater treatment.

Europe also has biogas from agricultural operations. While Europe’s farms are smaller than those in the United States, modular fuel cell installations like those pioneered by Bloom could convert biogas to electricity on site, and again eliminate methane. Dairy and swine farms in the U.S. are already doing this.

Massimo Milani, Managing Director of Cefla Engineering, speaks at Ecomondo.

Clean hydrogen from renewables

Europe has a large base of nuclear power plants and, paired with electrolyzers, they can produce low-cost, zero-carbon hydrogen from the steam that is now being vented off.

This is not a hypothetical. In a project with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory, Bloom’s high temperature electrolyzer is producing hydrogen at record-setting efficiencies. Electricity accounts for up to 80 percent of the cost of producing hydrogen now, and hydrogen produced from renewables will see the most significant cost reductions of any renewable over the next several years. It is projected to reach cost parity with grey hydrogen by 2030.

Our electrolyzers also can make a powerful partner of wind and solar power. They can be used to produce hydrogen at scale from excess wind or solar energy, which can then be used as a feedstock, fuel source, or energy storage medium. And while batteries can supply energy for a few hours, hydrogen is a long-term storage solution.

A basic human need, met without disruption

The International Energy Agency’s 10-point plan to reduce the EU’s reliance on Russian gas briefly mentions the options I’ve outlined, but they deserve more than a flyover if European power consumers, especially those in industries that have been hard to decarbonize, are to envision implementation. Cefla’s leaders are ready to make this a reality and Bloom is proud to be working with them on it.

Tim Schweikert is the Senior Managing Director, International Business, for Bloom Energy, a California-based maker of solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyzers.

The post Europe’s Energy Independence Is On The Agenda appeared first on Bloom Energy.

When Tropical Storm Allison hit Texas in 2001, it caused $2 billion of damage to a single medical center. In 2003 during the extended Northeast blackout, the largest outage in American history, nearly half of New York City’s hospitals’ emergency generator systems performed unreliably. A decade later, Hurricane Sandy completely shut down six hospitals, forcing 6,400 patients to be evacuated. Some affected facilities remained closed for more than 100 days. Just last year, Hurricane Irma knocked out grid power to more than 200 Florida hospitals and nursing homes, leaving many running on back-up generators with only enough fuel on hand to last a few days.

With health care providers repeatedly challenged in delivering critical care when it is needed most, the sector has come to recognize a need to think differently about the resilience and reliability of its power.

Hurricane Sandy proved a pivotal moment for health care power strategy.  While flooded critical infrastructure and disruption to travel and communications dominated headlines, in the wake of the storm, the City of New York concluded that a lack of emergency power had the greatest impact on health service delivery.

In New York and elsewhere, the vast majority of health care facilities rely on grid-delivered electric power and diesel-powered electrical generators for back-up. With grid outages due to extreme weather events escalating and diesel generators contributing to the significant environmental impact of the health care sector, it’s time to rethink this energy strategy.

Health Care Sector Power Choices are Impacting Service Delivery and Air Quality

The industry’s back-up system of choice is unreliable. Diesel generators are also bad for the health of the communities health care organizations serve.

According to California’s Bay Area Air Quality Management District, diesel exhaust includes over 40 substances that are listed by the U.S. EPA as hazardous air pollutants. Diesel exhaust can trigger immediate respiratory distress, especially in children, the elderly, and those with asthma and other chronic lung and heart conditions.

Even if you were able to look beyond these significant health concerns, diesel generators should still not be the industry’s “Hail Mary” in an emergency. Mandatory ongoing maintenance and testing help, but diesels remain prone to failure in actual emergencies and oftentimes cannot support full load conditions.

Beyond diesel generators, the sector could be making better choices about sustainability. The health care industry has one of the largest carbon footprints; if the U.S. health care system were considered as a separate country, it would be the seventh-largest producer of carbon dioxide in the world. In 2011 alone the industry accounted for about 10% of the carbon dioxide generated in the U.S., emitting 655 million metric tons of the greenhouse gas.

New Power Choices Can Turn the Industry’s Carbon Profile Around

Health care’s most progressive providers are starting to lead the industry into a new era of clean, reliable, affordable electric power.

Earlier this year, nineteen American health care systems affirmed their commitment to the climate change mitigation goals set out in the Paris Agreement. The systems represent 763 hospitals, 784,778 employees, and $167.2 billion in revenue across 39 states.

Kaiser Permanente of California was one of those signatories. It has already made a commitment to becoming carbon net positive by 2025 through its embrace of renewable energy.

Wind and solar power are certainly part of the solution for reducing the carbon footprint of the sector and diminishing negative air quality impacts.

However, the inherent intermittency of renewables means they are unlikely to account for any major facility’s full power load. Additionally, many urban health care facilities have neither the roof space nor the open space to site sufficient renewable power on-site. As a result, most renewable sources of power are located far off and still rely on the grid for delivery, making them as susceptible to outages as any other form of grid power.

This leaves facilities with a couple of options: deploy solar PV locally for partial load coverage and rely on traditional grid power to meet additional load requirements, or couple on-site solar to energy storage to extend its usefulness beyond peak daylight hours.

The former option tends to undermine emissions reductions goals by forcing a continued reliance on less clean grid power. It also eliminates the protection that grid-independent on-site power might provide against grid failure. The latter option is currently impractical due to the high cost profile of batteries.

Combined heat and power (CHP) systems remain one of the most popular power choices for the industry because of the sector’s high demand for both heat and electricity in its facilities. But CHP’s sustainability and reliability credentials are also dubious.

Because of increased energy efficiency through heat capture and utilization, CHP systems combust less fuel per energy output than conventional sources, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions. However, the systems still utilize combustion to produce power, which generates nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate emissions that contribute to smog and respiratory health issues. Additionally, CHP systems require entire system shutdowns during maintenance and are subject to forced power outages, ultimately demanding further reliance on interruptible grid power.

Fuel cells such as Bloom Energy Servers are a clean, on-site, resilient electric power source that is gaining momentum in the health care sector. The technology delivers constant and reliable power, and its modular design provides the always-on electricity solution that the sector is seeking to ensure uninterrupted health care services, even when the grid goes down.

In terms of sustainability, fuel cells can reduce carbon emissions by nearly 60% relative to the average U.S. combustion power generator. They also generate electricity via an electrochemical reaction rather than combustion, which means virtually no criteria air pollutants are emitted.

With the technology being implemented at prominent health care facilities across the country including Kaiser Permanente, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and most recently, Partners HealthCare, fuel cells are on track to becoming the energy solution that offers the ideal balance of affordability, resilience, and a lower carbon footprint.

They just might be the health care sector’s key technology for elevating resilience and sustainability in this post-climate change era.

The post It’s Time for the Health Care Sector to Think Differently about Electric Power appeared first on Bloom Energy.