What is Net Zero Emissions?

Exploring the net zero emissions meaning reveals that it refers to the ambitious goal of balancing the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere with the amount removed. The concept is central to the global strategy for combating climate change, aiming to ensure that the total amount of emitted greenhouse gases does not exceed the amount that can be absorbed naturally or through technological means. The “net zero” target aims to create a sustainable cycle where our planet’s capacity to deal with carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other pollutants aligns with emission reduction, effectively neutralizing our impact on global warming.

The term “net zero emissions” is often used interchangeably with “net zero carbon emissions,” but there is a subtle distinction between the two. Net zero emissions encompass all types of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, among others. Each of these gases has a different impact on the atmosphere in terms of their greenhouse effect and how long they stay in the atmosphere. Therefore, achieving net zero emissions means addressing a broader spectrum of gases beyond just CO₂.

On the other hand, net zero carbon emissions specifically target carbon dioxide, the most significant and prevalent greenhouse gas produced by human activities, particularly from burning fossil fuels. Focusing on carbon dioxide is crucial because of its dominant role in driving climate change, but it’s important to remember that a holistic approach to tackling all greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to truly achieve net zero emissions. This comprehensive approach ensures that efforts to combat climate change address the full scope of gases contributing to global warming, thereby making a more significant impact on our planet’s health and future.

Why Does Net Zero Matter?

The pursuit of net zero emissions is not just an environmental goal; it’s a linchpin in the global strategy to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all. Greenhouse gases, including CO₂ emissions, play a significant role in influencing global temperatures. When these gases are released into the atmosphere, they act like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun and warming the planet. This process, known as the greenhouse effect, is natural and necessary for life on Earth to exist. However, human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have significantly increased the concentration of these gases, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and, consequently, global warming.

The impact of rising temperatures is far-reaching, affecting everything from ecosystems and wildlife to human health and economies. Extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing precipitation patterns are just a few of the consequences that threaten our way of life and the natural world. The urgency to act is underscored by the increasing frequency and severity of these events, signaling a clear warning that immediate and sustained efforts are needed to mitigate climate change.

Net zero emissions play a critical role in this effort by aiming to halt the increase in global temperatures. According to the Paris Agreement, achieving net zero is central to limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and maintaining it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This target is not arbitrary; it represents a threshold beyond which the risks and impacts of climate change become significantly more severe and potentially irreversible.

The transition to net zero emissions requires a fundamental shift across all sectors of the economy, from energy production and transportation to agriculture and industry. It involves not only lowering emissions through energy efficiency and the adoption of green energy sources but also enhancing natural and technological processes that remove carbon from the atmosphere. Achieving net zero carbon emissions is a monumental challenge, but it is also an opportunity—an opportunity to innovate, create sustainable economic growth, and build a healthier, more resilient world for future generations.

How Can We Achieve Net Zero Emissions?

Achieving net zero emissions is a multifaceted challenge that requires a concerted effort across various sectors of the economy. It involves implementing strategies to reduce emissions, enhance efficiency, and manage and offset the remaining emissions. Bloom Energy’s technologies, particularly the Bloom Energy Server® and the Bloom Electrolyzer, exemplify how innovative solutions can play a pivotal role in transitioning to a sustainable energy future.

Reducing Emissions

The Bloom Energy Server is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) microgrid that converts natural gas or biogas into electricity through an electrochemical process rather than combustion. This innovative power generation system is inherently more efficient and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based power generation. By deploying the Bloom Energy Server, businesses and communities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The technology’s ability to operate on a variety of fuels, including renewable biogas, further enhances its role in reaching net zero by utilizing waste products and turning them into green energy.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Bloom Energy’s technology enhances efficiency through its innovative design and operation. The high efficiency of the Bloom Energy Server, for example, means that more electricity is generated from the same amount of fuel compared to conventional methods. This efficiency reduces the need for fuel and, consequently, the emissions associated with energy production. The ability to generate power onsite also eliminates the losses associated with electricity transmission over long distances, further increasing overall efficiency.

Managing and Offsetting Remaining Emissions

While Bloom Energy’s solutions significantly reduce emissions, the journey to net zero also involves managing and offsetting any remaining emissions. The Bloom Electrolyzer represents a key innovation in this area, producing green hydrogen through electrolysis. Hydrogen, as a clean energy carrier, can be used across various sectors, including transportation and industrial processes, to further reduce emissions. When powered by renewable energy sources, the Bloom Electrolyzer produces hydrogen with zero carbon emissions, offering a pathway to not only offset but potentially negate remaining emissions in sectors where direct electrification is challenging. This electrolyzer is touted as the most energy-efficient on the market, requiring up to 45% less electricity when integrated with external heat sources than traditional electrolyzers. It’s particularly beneficial for heavy industries, like steel and chemical manufacturing, enabling them to decarbonize their operations by utilizing excess heat for higher electrical efficiency in hydrogen production​​.

In 2022, Bloom Energy reported nearly 1 million tonnes of avoided carbon emissions from its business activities, equivalent to displacing 200,000 cars from U.S. roads for one year. This achievement is part of their ongoing efforts to provide decarbonization solutions across various applications, including microgrids, hydrogen, waste-to-energy, carbon capture, and marine applications. Bloom Energy’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to investing in growth and transformation through an expanding set of solutions and technologies aimed at building resilient communities and advancing towards a sustainable, net-zero future​​.

By focusing on the reduction of emissions through cleaner power generation, enhancing energy efficiency with advanced fuel cell technology, and enabling the offsetting of emissions through the production of green hydrogen, Bloom’s solutions embody a comprehensive response to the multifaceted challenge of achieving net zero emissions. Our continued innovation and expansion into renewable energy solutions position us as key players in the global effort to combat climate change and pave the way for a sustainable energy future.

The Role of Clean Energy Sources in Achieving Net Zero Emissions

Clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, are pivotal in the global effort to achieve net zero carbon emissions. These sources produce electricity and power without emitting carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. By replacing fossil fuels, which are the primary source of carbon emissions, sustainable energy sources directly reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, thereby mitigating climate change.

The transition to green energy not only involves the adoption of renewable energy technologies but also the modernization of energy infrastructure to support the distribution and storage of sustainable energy. This includes the development of smart grids, energy storage solutions, and electric vehicle charging networks, which are essential for managing the intermittent nature of some renewable sources and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.

How green energy contributes to lowering emissions:

• Displacement of Fossil Fuels: By generating electricity from renewable sources, we can significantly reduce dependence on coal, oil, and natural gas, leading to a substantial decrease in emissions.
• Efficient Energy: Renewable energy technologies are often more efficient than traditional fossil fuel-based systems. For example, electric vehicles powered by clean electricity from the grid produce zero emissions at the point of use and are more efficient than combustion engine vehicles.
• Innovation and Technology Development: The push for alternative energy has spurred innovation in technology, leading to more efficient solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems. These advancements make green energy more accessible, affordable, and efficient, accelerating its adoption and impact on reducing emissions.
• Economic Transformation: The global shift towards sustainable energy is driving economic transformation, creating jobs in renewable energy sectors, and encouraging businesses and consumers to adopt sustainable practices. This economic shift supports a broader move towards a low-carbon economy, further reducing GHG emissions.

Bloom is making significant strides in integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind with advanced technologies such as carbon capture to reduce emissions, enhance efficiency, and support the global transition to net zero emissions. A key example of this integration is our collaboration with Heliogen, which combines Heliogen’s concentrated solar energy system with Bloom’s high-temperature electrolyzer to produce green hydrogen more efficiently. This synergy not only showcases the potential for low-cost green hydrogen production but also highlights how combining solar power with innovative electrolysis can significantly reduce the electricity needed for hydrogen production, making it a more economical and sustainable solution​​.

Bloom’s solid oxide electrolyzer is able to produce hydrogen 20-25% more efficiently than conventional lower-temperature electrolyzers. The installation of an electrolyzer at NASA’s Ames Research Center demonstrates the commercial readiness and efficiency of Bloom’s technology for large-scale, clean hydrogen production​​.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to harness alternative energy sources for reducing CO₂ and GHG emissions. By focusing on innovations that enhance energy efficiency and lower the costs of clean hydrogen production, Bloom is contributing to the economic transformation towards a low-carbon economy. Such advancements not only drive the adoption of sustainable practices but also pave the way for industries and communities to achieve their net zero goals.

The Path Forward

The journey to net zero emissions is a complex but necessary undertaking. Achieving net zero requires a holistic approach, from increasing energy efficiencies and investing in clean energy technologies to enhancing carbon offsets and managing GHG emissions for a path grounded in sustainability.

Every individual, community, and nation has a part to play in this global effort. By adopting more sustainable practices, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and advocating for green policies, we can collectively contribute to the goal of net zero. Together, we can pave the way to a greener, cleaner world.

Interested in learning more about Bloom Energy and its net zero emissions solution? Read more here.

FAQs About Net Zero Emissions

1. What does net zero emissions mean?
   Net zero emissions refer to the balance between the amount of harmful gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. This balance is imperative for stabilizing global temperatures and combating climate change. Reaching net zero means that for every ton of greenhouse gas emitted, an equivalent amount must be absorbed from the atmosphere through natural processes like reforestation or through technological solutions such as carbon capture and storage. The goal is to ensure that human activities do not contribute to a net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases, thereby mitigating global warming and its associated impacts.
2. What are the global impacts of achieving net zero emissions?
   Realizing net zero emissions has profound global impacts. Environmentally, it would significantly mitigate climate change, leading to fewer extreme weather events, less loss of biodiversity, and lower sea level rise. Economically, it can spur innovation, create green jobs, and lead to the development of sustainable industries. For public health, it means cleaner air, resulting in fewer respiratory diseases and improved overall health outcomes. Globally, achieving net zero is essential for ensuring a stable climate, protecting ecosystems, and supporting a sustainable future for all.
3. In what ways do Bloom Energy’s solutions exemplify the practical application of reducing emissions?
   Bloom’s solutions, including the Bloom Energy Server and the Bloom Electrolyzer, illustrate the practical application of reducing emissions by efficiently generating clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The Bloom Energy Server uses solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology to convert natural gas, biogas, or hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical process rather than combustion, resulting in lower carbon emissions. The Bloom Electrolyzer produces green hydrogen from water, using electricity generated from renewable sources, offering a clean alternative to hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. Together, these technologies demonstrate how innovative solutions can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the transition to a low-carbon economy, and moving closer to achieving net zero emissions on a global scale.
4. What is net zero emissions by 2050?
   “Net zero emissions by 2050” is a worldwide goal to balance greenhouse gases released with those removed from the atmosphere, essentially bringing emissions to a neutral level. This goal is critical to keeping the global temperature rise under 1.5°C to avoid serious climate risks. Achieving net zero requires energy innovations, improved efficiencies, and capturing any residual emissions through advanced technology and natural methods.Bloom Energy advances this goal with low-carbon power solutions, like solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), helping organizations work toward net-zero. Connect with Bloom Energy’s experts to discover a sustainable energy strategy for your organization.

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Data centers have become essential over the past decade as hubs for everything from e-commerce to cloud-based services and storage. With the advent of AI, however, data centers have grown exponentially – there were 5,381 data centers as of March 2024 in the US, nearly half the world’s total, and 10 times as many as the next largest country, Germany.

And while data centers have become more efficient in their power usage since 2007, there’s been little improvement in the past five years. At the same time, they have grown far larger to meet the processing needs of AI models — the average data center today houses 100,000 servers, while Facebook parent Meta operates a 4.6 million square foot data center in Oregon.

Driven by the power demands of those servers – and the massive cooling systems they require – total energy demand in the US is expected to rise 15-20% in the next decade, according to DOE forecasts. By then, EPRI estimates that data centers could consume as much as 9% of all the electricity generated in the country. The scramble for that power is behind Microsoft’s announcement that it has purchased the mothballed Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, which it plans to restart to power its data centers.

All this is pushing the existing grid to – and even beyond – its design limits. EPRI notes that a single AI data center can use power equivalent to what would meet the needs of as many as 800,000 homes – one facility gobbling the same power as a city the size of San Jose. That demand is being made of a grid that’s already near the breaking point: Californians have become accustomed to enduring “rolling” blackouts when climate change-driven heatwaves crank up air conditioners, while Texans are still smarting from the blizzard-driven blackouts in 2021.

This potential has tech leaders greatly concerned. The CTO of Microsoft Azure said in a recent interview that the limits of the grid would cap the size of individual data centers, forcing companies to try to figure out how to link smaller ones together to replicate a larger center. That’s a complex problem that hasn’t been solved yet – and even those smaller data centers could still tax a grid that is years away from becoming more flexible and robust.

Without a solution, those AI data centers could well migrate offshore, undercutting the US lead in AI. So, the answer for data centers has to lie in another approach to meeting power demand. That’s where fuel cells can play a crucial role and why so many companies in the AI sector are choosing Bloom Energy.

With a delivery timeline of as little as 50 days, our fuel cells can be rapidly deployed at data centers as a baseline power source and used to supplement power from the grid. Crucially, they can enable data centers to operate as an “island” without a connection to the electric grid. That eliminates the need to locate data centers based on available grid power but instead lets companies site them based on other business considerations.

Bloom Energy’s fuel cells also help reduce emissions by using a highly efficient non-combustion process to generate cleaner, more resilient energy than conventional alternatives. This helps to address both the causes and consequences of climate change. Bloom Energy Servers offer deep decarbonization potential through their flexibility, including the ability to run on a variety of fuels, including renewable fuels like biogas and green hydrogen, and strong compatibility with carbon capture utilization and storage ecosystems.

With fuel flexibility that allows the Bloom Energy Server® to run on biogas or hydrogen, these fuel cells can provide zero emissions or carbon-neutral power, making them a cleaner choice and an efficient, sustainable alternative for data center onsite power generation.

Fuel cells uniquely address the energy demands of the AI sector – and are the key to unlocking the economic growth and benefits to society that come with it.

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While individual actions can and should be taken today – like planting trees, participating in river cleanups, and volunteering with local environmental groups – it is also a day to focus on larger initiatives like climate policy solutions and innovative ways to power our homes, our workplaces, and our world with solutions that reduce emissions and combat climate change.

International Day of Climate Action: Make an Impact Now

Meeting rising power demands worldwide and accelerating the energy transition requires a combination of solutions through sources like solar and wind. Unfortunately, building renewable energy facilities and related infrastructure can take significant time – years or even decades. In the meantime, the world must take action NOW towards powering our communities in a more eco-friendly, sustainable manner.

Bloom Energy’s solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are solutions that don’t require us to wait; Bloom’s technology is a reliable and time-tested means of generating on-site power and can be deployed at scale quickly. Instead of waiting years to scale up, customers can have Bloom’s technology installed and operational in months or even weeks, and it can be integrated into existing sustainability efforts like carbon capture.

Bloom’s SOFCs are fuel agnostic, and they require no water consumption during normal operation, produce no smog-generating nitrous oxide (NOx) or sulfur oxides (SOx), and can replace heavy-emitting diesel generators that are often relied on for backup power in emergency situations. Given Bloom’s SOFCs fuel-agnostic nature, they can easily be fueled by hydrogen when available. With the hydrogen economy advancing rapidly, Bloom’s hydrogen-ready fuel cells are well-positioned to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the global energy transition.

How Bloom’s SOFCs Can Help Take Positive Climate Action

While other forms of energy generation can be variable – the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow – Bloom’s fuel cells provide resilient, always-on power for customers while reducing a facility’s carbon footprint and limiting environmental impacts in areas such as:

• Air quality: Bloom’s fuel cells not only have a lower carbon footprint compared to the grid but also dramatically reduce air pollutants that degrade overall air quality and contribute to global warming; Bloom’s Energy Server systems emit near-zero NOx and SOx, reducing emissions of these smog-forming pollutants by over 99%. In 2022, Bloom’s Energy Server systems reduced 99.8% of NOx versus the grid and 100% of SOx compared to the grid.
• Water usage: Bloom’s fuel cells do not use any water during normal operating conditions. In 2022, Bloom’s fuel cells avoided more than 4.7 billion gallons of water consumption and over 691 gallons of water withdrawal by grid electricity sources.

To meet ambitious emissions reduction goals and help decarbonize our world, we need solutions now that enable us to take action quickly. Our planet can’t wait, and neither can we. Bloom’s SOFCs are one key way stakeholders across economic sectors can take positive climate action that can immediately help mitigate the effects of global warming.

Meaningful Climate Action Today For A Brighter, Cleaner Tomorrow

On this International Day of Climate Action, those who make decisions about how to power our world can take meaningful action through the use of Bloom’s fuel cells. And as individuals, we should all commit to doing our part today to build a cleaner and more sustainable economy for the future.

To learn more about Bloom’s SOFCs, read more here.

The post International Day of Climate Action 2024: Building a More Sustainable Future Together appeared first on Bloom Energy.

As a critical component of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), domestic production of electrolyte materials marks a major advancement for South Korea’s energy sector. This achievement moves the country closer to establishing an independent SOFC market, reducing reliance on imports. By bridging key supply chain gaps, Bloom Energy is helping to enhance the technological competitiveness of South Korea’s fuel cell ecosystem and paving the way for the global expansion of its industry-leading Energy Server.

The milestone follows a historic agreement signed by the companies at the 2021 Korea Energy Expo. Three years later, they reconvened to celebrate the progress and the bright future ahead. In recognition of its support for this ongoing localization effort, KHNP presented Bloom Energy with a commemorative award. Korean companies that have significantly contributed to this initiative and its global reach also attended, further enriching the event.

What’s next for the South Korea fuel cell economy?

With domestic electrolyte materials production now established, the next crucial step is the successful processing of these materials for use in Bloom’s Energy Server. South Korean manufacturers are confident this final milestone will be reached by 2025. In the meantime, South Korean-produced electrolyte materials will begin to enter Bloom Energy’s supply chain throughout the remainder of 2024.

Attendees in front row starting with the 2nd person on the left: Hoon-jae Lee, CEO of KV Materials; Jeong-hoon Kim, Head of Solution BU at SK ecoplant; Sang-jo Yoon, Head of Green Business Division at KHNP; Satish Chitoori, COO of Bloom Energy; Se-jun Kim, Vice President of BloomSKfuelcell; and Kyung-soo Kim, Vice President of TNE Korea. Photo source: KHNP

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With the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence and its integration into our daily lives, reliance on power grids has significantly increased. While this technology has improved efficiency and convenience,  it places heavy pressure on the grid, and in turn, the world is grappling with finding ways to ensure time-to-power delays are greatly reduced. The data centers powering AI require a minimum of three years to get up and running and are estimated to use up a staggering 9% of total electricity generated in the U.S. by 2030, almost one-third of the energy used by all homes and businesses in the country combined. AI is making doing tasks more trouble-free, but is also making consistent access to electricity troublesome.

In 2019 alone, California experienced 25,281 blackouts, a 23% increase from the year before. The reasons for this leap, outside of AI, are twofold: age and lack of infrastructure investments. Some U.S. power lines have not been updated or replaced for years, some close to 30-40 years. Hazardous weather conditions can permanently damage the power lines, going unnoticed until a power outage occurs. Hand in hand is the lack of investment. The government has a large budget for updating the grid, but only a fraction has been approved and put into use.

As climate change intensifies its effects on the planet and we move towards a more electricity-reliant future, power outages will become inevitable. The solution to this dire issue is to pivot to alternative primary power sources that are cleaner, more reliable, and more efficient to decrease the time it takes to power our planet.

Why the Grid is Failing: Capacity and Accessibility Issues

The U.S. power grid is struggling to meet demands as the population becomes more reliant on technology, and climate change is resulting in more extreme weather conditions. Unlike other parts of the world, the U.S. relies on three separate grids further broken down by regions. When a storm impacts a state like Texas, for example, it can only rely on its own region’s power grid, bouncing back a costly and even life-threatening endeavor. Businesses are also greatly impacted by planned and unplanned power outages, losing between $300,000 and $1 million every hour without power. Residents and businesses can no longer rely solely on the grid for power. To make electricity more accessible, pivoting to localized power generation would make for a more dependable solution. A hidden cost of using electricity from power plants is transmission fees. Energy consumers are burdened with paying billions each year in shipping and handling costs that could be eliminated through localized power.

What Are Hydrogen Fuel Cells and How Do They Work?

In simple terms, a hydrogen fuel cell is a technology that converts hydrogen into electricity. It does so using the three components of the fuel cell (anode, cathode, and electrolyte), which allow hydrogen gas and oxygen from the air to interact and create energy. Although this technology has been around for hundreds of years, its successful implementation is much more recent. Stacks of hydrogen fuel cells can now power entire buildings with minimal carbon emissions and maximum efficiency. In the future, a single stack may be able to power a small home cleanly.

Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Renewable Energy Technologies

Hydrogen fuel cells are unique to many of today’s widely used power sources for a few reasons. One of the most significant advantages of utilizing fuel cells is the environmental benefits. These products only emit water vapor and heat, offering a zero-emission power source. Moreover, they are cost- and space-effective as they do not require much maintenance and take up minimal space compared to grid lines. With a rise in natural disasters due to climate change, having a decentralized power system is essential to keeping the lights on.  Renewable energy systems benefit rural communities by allowing them to store energy for extended periods and not depend on sparse power sources.

Looking forward to a more sustainable and reliable power future requires us to embrace hydrogen fuel cells. While efforts to “pause” and even reverse climate change have been put into place through legislation, adopting cleaner systems, like The Bloom Energy Server, will aid in creating more long-term solutions.

Time to Power FAQs

1. What is time to power?
   Time to Power is the time it takes for a new facility to receive the necessary power from the grid. This process can take months or even years, leading to delays in operations and increased costs for companies waiting to become fully operational. Such delays can be especially problematic for industries, such as data centers and facilities, such as hospitals, that rely on continuous and reliable power.
2. How do hydrogen fuel cells decrease the time to power?
   Hydrogen fuel cells provide decentralized, on-site power generation that can be deployed quickly, reducing the time it takes for a facility to become operational. Unlike traditional grid connections, which can take months or years, hydrogen fuel cells offer an immediate, reliable power source, ensuring continuous operation even during grid delays. This capability significantly shortens the time to power, especially in critical or remote locations.
3. What new renewable energy technologies are impacting time to power?
   Renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and solid oxide fuel cells significantly reduce the time to power by providing faster, decentralized power solutions. These systems can be deployed faster than traditional grid connections, allowing facilities to start operations sooner while supporting sustainability goals.

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However, the critical operations of these data centers come at a cost—high energy consumption. As digital demands surge, so too does the power required to keep these data centers running efficiently and effectively. Recent analyses highlight a significant uptick in the energy requirements of data centers, raising concerns over their potential environmental impact due to increased electricity use and associated carbon emissions.

Recognizing these challenges, the industry has witnessed a shift towards more sustainable and energy-efficient practices. Innovations in green technology and a commitment to reducing carbon footprints have started shaping the future of data center operations. This blog post explores how green power solutions are not only feasible but also beneficial for data centers, ensuring they can meet future demands sustainably and responsibly.

The Current Landscape of Data Center Energy Consumption

Data centers are among the largest consumers of electrical power, with data center electricity consumption accelerating alongside advancements in technology, particularly AI workloads, and increasing online activity. According to a recent EPRI study, data centers could consume up to 9% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030, doubling the current use [1]. This is expected to rise as digital data creation and consumption continue to grow.

This significant energy use is not without its impacts. Data centers are pivotal in driving energy demand, which in turn has substantial environmental repercussions due to the associated carbon emissions. The conversation around data center energy consumption is complex, with a focus on the balance between operational efficiency and the environmental footprint.

Over the past decade, data centers have made considerable strides in improving energy efficiency through advanced designs, better management practices, and more effective cooling technologies. This decoupling of energy use from data growth signals a positive trend toward reducing the overall environmental impact per byte of data processed.

Defining Green Power in Data Centers

The quest for sustainability in data centers revolves around the concept of green power, which entails the use of energy sources that significantly reduce or eliminate carbon emissions associated with operational activities, but what exactly is green power?

What is Green Power?

Green power in the context of data centers refers to electricity generated from renewable energy sources that are naturally replenishing and environmentally friendly. This includes power from solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric sources. These energy sources contrast sharply with traditional fossil fuels, which are not only finite but also major contributors to carbon emissions and climate change.

Sources of Green Power

The integration of renewable energy into data center operations is increasingly being recognized as both a sustainable practice and a strategic advantage. According to a report by CBRE, major data centers are setting ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, with some aiming for up to 100% renewable energy use by 2030 [2]. This shift towards green energy is driven by both environmental considerations and the economic benefits associated with renewables, such as lower operational costs and more predictable energy pricing over time.

Benefits of Green Power

The benefits of utilizing green power in data centers extend beyond just environmental impacts. Renewable energy sources can provide long-term cost savings compared to traditional power sources, which are subject to volatile fuel prices. Additionally, the use of renewables can enhance a data center’s public image, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses increasingly valuing sustainability in their service providers.

Technological Innovations Driving Energy Efficiency in Data Centers

Cooling is one of the most power-intensive needs in data centers, traditionally accounting for a significant portion of the total energy usage. However, recent innovations in cooling technology have begun to change this dynamic significantly. Advanced cooling methods, such as liquid cooling and evaporative cooling systems, are proving to be game changers, allowing for more direct and efficient heat removal from server components, significantly reducing the amount of energy required to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

The evolution of server technology has also contributed to greater energy efficiency in data centers. The shift from traditional spinning hard disk drives (HDDs) to solid-state drives (SSDs) is a notable development. SSDs are not only faster but also consume less power, generate less heat, and take up less space. This transition supports higher data processing speeds and energy savings, allowing for the consolidation of hardware and a reduction in overall data center power requirements.

AI is not just fueling the energy demand; it’s also fixing it. The integration of AI and machine learning (ML) into data center management, known as “smart infrastructure,” is enhancing energy efficiency. These energy technologies enable predictive maintenance and dynamic power management, optimizing energy use across the data center floor. AI algorithms analyze data from numerous sensors within the facility to predict equipment failures before they happen and adjust cooling and power systems in real time to match the actual demand.

Strategies for Maximizing Data Center Energy Efficiency

Two of the most effective strategies for reducing energy consumption in data centers are virtualization and server consolidation. Virtualization allows multiple server environments to operate on a single physical server, significantly reducing the physical server count and, consequently, the overall data center power requirements for power and cooling. Similarly, server consolidation involves combining workloads onto fewer but more efficient servers, maximizing utilization while minimizing energy waste.

These practices not only decrease energy consumption but also reduce the need for physical space, further lowering cooling demands. This dual reduction significantly enhances the overall energy efficiency of data centers.

Advanced power management tools and data center power distribution systems, along with Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) systems play a crucial role in optimizing data center energy usage. These tools, working in tandem with AI, allow for real-time monitoring and management of energy consumption, helping to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. For example, DCIM systems can precisely adjust cooling systems and server power loads based on current demand rather than peak capacity, which significantly reduces unnecessary energy expenditure.

Furthermore, advanced power management tools can automate energy-saving practices, such as shutting down idle servers during periods of low demand and dynamically managing power distribution across the data center floor. This level of detailed control and automation not only cuts down on energy costs but also extends the lifespan of the hardware by reducing overheating risks, ensuring data center uninterruptible power, and operational strains.

A notable example of successful energy-efficient practices can be seen in major tech companies such as Amazon. Through its AWS (Amazon Web Services) Cloud infrastructure, Amazon has implemented server consolidation and virtualization to achieve significant energy efficiencies. According to their sustainability report, AWS is designed to be more energy efficient than the average enterprise data center by up to 3.6 times [3]. This substantial improvement in energy efficiency is attributed to Amazon’s continuous innovation in server utilization and advanced architectural designs that reduce energy consumption across their massive scale of operations.

These strategies, supported by real-world applications and innovative management systems, are not just theoretical solutions but practical actions that leading data centers around the world are currently adopting to optimize performance and sustainability.

Challenges and Solutions in Adopting Green Data Center Technologies

Transitioning to green technologies in data centers presents a myriad of challenges. However, with careful planning and the right strategies, these obstacles can be overcome to harness the benefits of sustainable energy practices.

The most significant challenges in adopting green technologies in data centers include high initial costs and infrastructural compatibility, especially in older facilities. Older data centers often require substantial retrofitting to accommodate new, energy-efficient systems, which can be both costly and disruptive. Additionally, the infrastructure of these older facilities might not be capable of supporting modern green technologies without significant modifications.

The initial investment required for transitioning to green technologies is considerable, covering the costs of new equipment, installation, and potential downtime. However, the long-term savings and ROI from reduced energy expenses and possibly lower maintenance costs can offset these upfront investments. While the upfront costs are high, the reduction in operational expenses due to energy savings can lead to substantial financial benefits over time. Many regions offer incentives such as tax breaks and grants for data centers that implement green technologies, which can further aid in mitigating the initial financial burden.

Adaptive strategies for older data centers include phased upgrades and modular technology implementations. By upgrading systems in phases, data centers can spread out the financial and operational impacts over time, making it more manageable and less disruptive. For instance, incorporating modular UPS systems, or modular cooling units that can be scaled as needed allows data centers to adapt without undergoing a complete overhaul.

Additionally, implementing virtualization and software-defined data center technologies can maximize the use of existing hardware and reduce the need for physical expansions, which further aids in reducing the energy footprint.

The potential of green power to revolutionize the data center industry cannot be understated. By adopting sustainable energy practices, data centers not only reduce their environmental footprint but also enhance operational efficiencies and cut down on long-term costs. While adopting green technologies in data centers presents financial and infrastructural challenges, strategic planning and phased implementation can effectively address these issues.

The future of data centers lies in continuous innovation and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, particularly in optimizing the data center power supply to meet growing energy demands responsibly. As technology advances, so must our approaches to energy efficiency and green power. The industry must keep pace with the latest developments in renewable energy sources and eco-friendly technologies, ensuring that data centers remain at the forefront of sustainability efforts.

Dive into how Bloom Energy’s fuel cell solutions can address your immediate energy needs. Our team of experts is ready to create a tailored solution built to fit your energy requirements. Together, let’s power a more sustainable and resilient future. Contact our fuel cell solutions experts to start your journey towards efficient and reliable energy management with Bloom Energy.

Data Center Power Supply FAQs

1. What is green power for data centers?
   Green power for data centers refers to electricity sourced from renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric systems. Utilizing these energy sources reduces data center energy consumption and enhances the energy efficiency of these facilities, supporting sustainable data center design.

2. What are some effective strategies for improving energy efficiency in data centers?
   Effective strategies for improving data center energy efficiency include virtualization, which allows multiple software environments to run on a single server rack, and server consolidation, which reduces power consumption by combining workloads on fewer servers. Both strategies lead to significant efficiency gains in energy usage and enhance the overall energy efficiency of data centers.

3. What challenges do data centers face when transitioning to green technologies?
   The transition to green technologies poses challenges, such as high initial costs and the need for extensive upgrades in data center design to accommodate new cooling systems, storage drives, and backup generators. These changes are crucial for developing an energy-efficient data center but require strategic planning and phased implementation to manage energy consumption effectively.

[1] Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). EPRI Study: Data Centers Could Consume up to 9% of U.S. Electricity Generation by 2030. https://www.epri.com/reports/data-centers-electricity-usage.

[2] CBRE. Global Data Center Trends 2023. https://www.cbre.com/insights/reports/global-data-center-trends-2023.

[3] Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS Sustainability. https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/products-services/the-cloud.

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The recent declaration by the U.S. Energy Information Administration highlights the critical importance of addressing rising power consumption levels, stating that the U.S. is projected to reach record highs in 2024 and 2025, underscoring the need for robust emergency power systems to ensure uninterrupted service during peak demand and unforeseen outages.

What is considered emergency power?

Emergency power refers to backup power systems designed to provide electricity during interruptions of the primary power supply. These systems are essential for maintaining critical operations in various settings, such as cities, businesses, and national infrastructure, during power outages caused by natural disasters, equipment failures, or other emergencies. 

Ensuring City Resilience with Urgent Power

Cities are hubs of economic, social, and cultural activities, making the availability of emergency power and a reliable power generation system crucial. Urban centers rely heavily on electricity to power infrastructure, healthcare facilities, public transportation, and communication systems. When a power outage occurs, the impact can be widespread and severe, affecting millions of residents and disrupting daily life.

Ensuring Public Safety

Emergency power systems in cities are vital for maintaining public safety. Traffic lights, streetlights, and surveillance systems depend on a constant power supply. During a blackout, standby power ensures these systems remain operational, preventing accidents and maintaining order.

Healthcare Services

Hospitals and healthcare facilities cannot afford to lose power, even temporarily. Emergency power is essential for running life-saving equipment, refrigeration for medications, and ensuring the overall functionality of medical facilities. In natural disasters or large-scale emergencies, having reliable standby power can be the difference between life and death. Backup power supplies for hospitals, as well as other mission-critical facilities, are required to adhere to the standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Communication and Information Systems

In today’s digital age, communication networks are the backbone of urban life. Emergency power ensures these networks remain up and running, allowing residents to stay informed and connected during crises. This includes everything from mobile networks to internet services and emergency broadcast systems.

Reliable Emergency Power Systems for Business Continuity

For businesses, a reliable power supply is not just a convenience but a necessity. Power outages can lead to significant financial losses, disrupt operations, and damage reputations. Emergency power systems are a crucial investment for businesses of all sizes.

Continuity of Operations:

In the event of a power outage, businesses with emergency power systems can continue their operations without interruption. This is especially important for industries such as finance, data centers, manufacturing, and retail, where even a short downtime can result in substantial financial losses.

Data Protection

Businesses today generate and rely on vast amounts of data. Emergency power is critical for protecting this data, ensuring that servers, storage devices, and IT systems remain operational during power outages. This helps prevent data loss, which can be costly and time-consuming to recover.

Customer Trust and Satisfaction

Maintaining customer trust and satisfaction is essential for any business. Emergency power systems ensure that customer service operations, such as call centers and online services, remain functional during outages. This reliability fosters trust and can set a business apart from its competitors.

Ensuring Stability: Emergency Power Supply for Nations

At a national level, emergency power systems are integral to national security, economic stability, and disaster resilience. Governments must prioritize the development and maintenance of robust emergency power infrastructures to safeguard their citizens and economies.

National Security

National security agencies, including defense installations, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement, require a constant power supply to function effectively. Emergency power systems ensure these critical operations continue uninterrupted, even during widespread power outages.

Economic Stability

A nation’s economy relies heavily on a stable power supply. Emergency power systems support the continuity of industrial activities, financial transactions, and other economic activities. This stability helps prevent economic downturns that can result from prolonged power outages.

Disaster Resilience

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods can cause extensive damage to power infrastructures. Emergency power systems enhance a nation’s resilience to such disasters by ensuring that essential services, including healthcare, communication, and public safety, remain operational. This capability is crucial for effective disaster response and recovery efforts.

Technological Innovations in Emergency Power Systems

In recent years, emergency power and power generation systems have seen significant technological advancements. These innovations enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of emergency power systems.

Renewable Energy Integration

Renewable power sources, such as solar and wind, are being increasingly integrated into emergency power systems. This not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also ensures a more sustainable and resilient power supply. Battery storage systems complement renewable energy by storing excess power for use during outages. Microgrid systems also enhance sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. While diesel generators provide a reliable source of electricity during power outages, they have several drawbacks, particularly in terms of their environmental impact.

Smart Grids

Smart grids leverage advanced technologies to monitor and manage the flow of electricity more effectively. They can detect power outages quickly and automatically switch to standby power sources, minimizing downtime. Smart grids also facilitate the integration of distributed energy resources, enhancing the overall reliability of the power supply.

Microgrids

Microgrids are localized power grids that can operate independently from the main grid. They are particularly useful for providing power to critical facilities such as hospitals, military bases, and emergency response centers. Microgrids can incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These clean energy sources produce electricity without emitting harmful pollutants or greenhouse gasses, reducing environmental impact and mitigating climate change.

Challenges and Solutions in Implementing Emergency and Standby Power

While the importance is clear, implementing these systems comes with its own set of challenges. Addressing these challenges is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of emergency power systems.

High Initial Costs

Installing emergency power systems can be costly. However, the long-term benefits of enhanced resilience and operational continuity justify this investment. Governments and businesses can explore financing options, subsidies, and incentives to offset initial costs.

Maintenance and Testing

Regular maintenance and testing are crucial for ensuring that emergency power systems function correctly when needed. Establishing strict maintenance schedules and conducting routine tests can help identify and address potential issues before they become critical.

Training and Awareness

Personnel responsible for operating emergency power systems must be adequately trained. Regular training programs and drills can ensure that staff prepare to respond effectively during power outages. Raising awareness among stakeholders can also support its implementation and maintenance.

Case Studies Highlighting the Importance of Emergency Power

Examining real-world examples underscores the critical role of emergency power in various scenarios.

• Community Protection from Storms: After a hurricane and storm caused an 11-day power failure in the City of Hartford, Bloom installed an 800kW system to power critical facilities. These Bloom Microgrids have since provided a reliable safe haven for the community, ensuring continuous power through multiple outages.
• Keeping Businesses Open During Disasters: A business aiming to remain open during disasters to provide safety supplies to the local community sought to eliminate the need for diesel generators, which reduce air quality and are difficult to maintain. Bloom has since powered their facilities through over 100 utility outages, ensuring uninterrupted service and environmental benefits.
• Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Protection: In 2019, California utilities implemented transmission-level “public safety power shutoffs,” leaving millions of customers without power for up to a week. During an October PSPS, Bloom powered a large Santa Rosa, CA campus for 5.5 days, ensuring continuous operation amidst widespread outages.

Future Trends in Emergency Power Supply

As technology and society continue to evolve, so too will the field of emergency power. Several trends are shaping the future.

Increased Use of AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are enhancing the management and operation of emergency power systems. These technologies can predict potential outages, optimize power distribution, and improve the efficiency of backup power systems.

Decentralization of Power Supply

The trend toward decentralization involves moving away from large, centralized power plants connected to the electric grid to smaller, localized energy sources. This decentralization enhances the resilience of the power supply, making it less vulnerable to widespread outages and facilitating the use of renewable energy. Microgrids, in particular, represent a transformative solution. By decentralizing energy production and distribution, microgrids offer communities and businesses a resilient alternative to traditional centralized power grids.

Enhanced Battery Technologies

Advancements in battery technology are improving the storage capacity and efficiency of emergency power systems. High-capacity batteries can store more energy and provide power for longer periods, making them ideal for supporting critical infrastructure during extended outages.

Sustainability

Microgrids are localized energy networks that can operate independently from the main grid, incorporating a diverse mix of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. Companies like Bloom are revolutionizing the capabilities of microgrid technology with Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). SOFC microgrid technology represents a significant step forward, bridging the gap between traditional energy methods and the future demands for cleaner, more efficient power solutions. By integrating SOFCs into microgrids, we can achieve a more sustainable and resilient emergency power infrastructure capable of supporting critical operations with minimal environmental impact during power outages. This innovation is essential as we move towards a greener and more reliable energy landscape.

Backup power solutions are an indispensable component of modern infrastructure, essential for ensuring the continuity of operations across cities, businesses, and nations. As our reliance on technology and electricity grows, so does the importance of having robust emergency power systems in place. These systems provide a lifeline during crises, protecting public safety, maintaining economic stability, and enhancing disaster resilience.

Investing in standby power is not just about preparing for the worst; it is about ensuring that society can function smoothly and effectively, regardless of the challenges it faces. As the demand for resilient and sustainable energy solutions continues to grow, microgrids are poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding against power disruptions and building a more resilient energy infrastructure for the future. As technological innovations continue to advance, the capabilities of emergency power systems will only improve, offering even greater reliability and sustainability.

Ensure your operations remain uninterrupted during a crisis. Contact our emergency power experts at Bloom Energy today to learn more.

Emergency Power FAQs

Q1: How do emergency and standby power systems work during a power outage?

When the main power supply fails, emergency power systems, such as generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), play a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of operations. These systems are designed to automatically activate upon detecting a power outage, ensuring that essential services and critical infrastructure remain operational. Power generators, often fueled by diesel or natural gas, are capable of supplying electricity for extended periods, providing a reliable backup source when grid power is unavailable. Additionally, UPS systems offer immediate backup electrical power, serving as a bridge until generators start and stabilize. This seamless transition between power sources helps minimize downtime and prevents disruptions to vital functions. But sometimes, this isn’t the more environmentally conscious solution. For data centers, microgrid energy technology produces exceptionally efficient and environmentally friendly power, boasting versatility in fuel usage and resilience against future energy challenges. By harnessing renewable energy, organizations can reduce their carbon footprint, mitigate environmental impact, and ensure a more sustainable energy future.

Q2: How are microgrids the solution for protection against grid outages and extreme weather disruption?

Microgrids, such as Bloom’s fuel cell platform, offer a solution for protection against grid outages and extreme weather disruption by providing reliable and resilient power supply. Bloom’s fuel cell microgrid technology has proven effective in safeguarding facilities through thousands of power outages, ensuring continuous operation even during emergencies. These microgrids generate highly efficient and clean energy, reducing reliance on traditional grid power and mitigating the environmental impact of energy consumption. Additionally, Bloom’s fuel cell platform is fuel-flexible and future-proof, enabling organizations to navigate the transition to decarbonization while maintaining operational stability. By fixing a significant portion of electricity costs and offering scalability, Bloom’s microgrid solution allows organizations to hedge against price volatility and meet growing power demands effectively.

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In May, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) took a bold and controversial step to accelerate development of new high-voltage power transmission lines across the nation.

A new rule levies novel requirements for interstate grid operators’ long-term planning, obligating advanced determination of “the transmission we know we will need in the future” and how it will be paid for.

But why is this so urgently needed?

The U.S. suffers from a severe dearth of adequate grid infrastructure. Our customers are telling us loud and clearly. Worse yet, the glacial speed at which new transmission lines are approved and deployed has led to widespread interconnection delays for celebrated renewable energy projects, fundamentally hampering our country’s capacity to respond to the climate crisis.

That same climate crisis also exposes our ancient electrical grids and their users to the specter of blackouts. A variety of new threats in the form of extreme, power-disrupting weather are presenting extraordinary challenges to a broad cross section of electricity consumers.

But it’s not just renewable energy projects that are on the losing side of this equation. From residential to industrial, from hospitals to data centers, virtually every large-scale land use project may be forced to endure months if not years of interconnection delays to local electric utilities, wreaking havoc to bottom lines and regional economies across America.

Additionally, the rise in the promising but energy intensive AI technologies that will transform our society will hit a wall without resilient, reliable and responsive new supplies of electricity. Recent reporting by The Washington Post detailed the stunning but nevertheless foreseen rise in carbon emissions associated with a booming AI sector that is now “exhausting the power grid.” In fact, a recent Goldman Sachs study found that data centers will consume 8 percent of all electricity generated in the United States by 2030. Our nation’s aging grids are in such a dire state and our electrical generation capacity is so far from meeting demand that coal power plants are being resuscitated to power the growth of the high performing computing data centers that support these new technologies.

That is why FERC’s new transmission and cost allocation rule represents a meaningful and desperately needed step towards upgrading America’s electric grid. However, because this problem was decades in the making, the regulation’s desired results will unfortunately take a similarly long amount of time before they are broadly experienced.

However, the American economy cannot wait for the benefits of FERC’s action to be realized. Leaders in burgeoning high tech industries– artificial intelligence, data processing, chip manufacturing – refuse to accept their critical facilities must await painstakingly slow interconnections to local electric utility infrastructure before they become operational. Instead, they are choosing Bloom Energy.

Fuel cells can play a crucial role as low emissions power sources where additional generation resources are needed. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process rather than combustion. This nearly eliminates the release of harmful air pollutants that cause respiratory issues. One of the last clean energy technologies predominantly manufactured in the United States, fuel cells also significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to the traditional power grid that often relies on the combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity.

Our Series 10 Energy Server offers customers an immediate solution that meaningfully circumvents the same crippling “Time to Power” challenges FERC’s action aims to solve in the long-term. In an era of widespread energy availability constraints, our products’ capacity to deliver on-site, off-grid power generation that is clean, affordable, and reliable fundamentally changes the way America can do business.

While Bloom Energy celebrates the federal government’s decision to take head-on long term grid planning, we’re here to support the American economy in the meantime.

The post The Economy and A.I. Won’t Wait for the Grid to Catch Up: How Bloom Energy Offers American Business a Fighting Chance appeared first on Bloom Energy.

The progress made at the largest onshore oil field in western Europe reflects a pivotal moment for Bloom Energy as the project represents the company’s first Energy Server on a skid commissioned internationally. This successfully demonstrated solution will support the site’s baseload power requirements and will continue to drive Bloom’s future business growth in the UK and beyond.

Additionally, the project’s adherence to and compliance with the UK’s most stringent Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations offers a helpful reference point for planning and permitting authorities evaluating the safety and environmental aspects of future Bloom Energy installations across the country.

“The Energy Server system is now exporting at their rated capacity and exceeding the guaranteed efficiency,” explained Tim Schweikert, Head of International Sales for Bloom. “We congratulate the Bloom team and thank Perenco for their partnership. We look forward to future, positive steps in this important project.”

“Wherever we work, we are committed to reducing the impact of our operations. With Bloom Energy, and its innovative and cleaner power, we are pleased to have moved from signing to commissioning the first phase of the solid oxide fuel system at Wytch Farm in under a year.” said Armel Simondin, Perenco CEO. “This is a clear statement of our intent, and we look forward to providing updates on similar milestones from across the group in the future.”

Bloom signed the agreement with Perenco to install 2.5 megawatts (MW) of Bloom Solid Oxide Fuel cells in England last year. The project marks the first commercial deployment of Bloom Fuel cell technology in the United Kingdom

Perenco’s Wytch Farm Site in Dorset, is a designated COMAH site, located within the Dorset area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Purbeck Heritage Coast, and special areas of conservation.

For more information about the project, please read the June 2023 press release detailing Bloom’s groundbreaking agreement with Perenco.

The post Bloom Energy successfully delivers low-emission power to western Europe’s largest onshore oil field appeared first on Bloom Energy.

• The Bloom partnership with Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) that powers a portion of the California Institute of Technology’s (Caltech) grid with hydrogen is progressing. Blending existing infrastructure with Bloom technology, the project utilizes water from Caltech’s service line and runs it through our electrolyzer using grid energy to create clean hydrogen. The hydrogen is then injected into Caltech’s natural gas infrastructure before being ultimately converted to electricity for campus consumption.
• Bloom and SK ecoplant, an engineering and energy solutions provider and subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate SK Group, launched a large-scale multi-MW green hydrogen demonstration using Bloom’s electrolyzer on Jeju Island, South Korea. The demonstration is due to commence in 2025 and aims to produce green hydrogen for fuel to support the transportation sector in conjunction with Korea Southern Power Co., Ltd (KOSPO) and local governments.
• Bloom Energy and Shell Plc. (Shell) announced a groundbreaking decarbonization study using Bloom’s SOEC technology. The collaboration aims to develop replicable SOEC systems that would produce clean hydrogen, for use at Shell assets around the globe. This study represents yet another pivotal movement for Bloom, as its hydrogen electrolyzer is deployed by hard to abate industries. The electrolyzer provides a solution that can simultaneously reduce carbon footprints while sustaining economic growth due to its world record setting electrical efficiency.

“These projects are the foundation of the company’s future growth,” said Ravi Prasher, Bloom CTO. “The day has finally come: clean hydrogen now sits squarely at the forefront of U.S. energy policy and Bloom Energy’s first-in-class hydrogen electrolyzer is ready to meet this pivotal moment.”

The Biden administration’s historic $8 billion investment in hydrogen hubs funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Law sparked the creation of a national clean hydrogen energy network. Bloom was honored that our technologies were included in four of the proposals submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy as a part of these programs.

With the federal government placing such an emphasis on clean energy solutions, it is difficult to understate the outsized role a clean hydrogen economy will play in realizing our ambitious climate goals. Given its capacity to decarbonize hard to abate industries, clean hydrogen truly is the fuel of the future.

What is clean hydrogen?

Clean hydrogen can refer to hydrogen generated via electrolysis, a non-combusting electrochemical process that splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. The higher the temperature of the electrolysis, the less electricity required. Compared to the highly-emitting, traditional method of creating “grey” hydrogen via steam methane reformation, electrolyzed hydrogen offers an efficient and affordable pathway to this important fuel of the future.  Hydrogen generated from electrolysis using electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, and nuclear offers an even cleaner fuel for our net zero future.

How can clean hydrogen support the energy transition?

With clean hydrogen, the sky is the limit. This fuel of the future has a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications with major implications for decarbonization.

• From heavy duty trucking to freight rail and urban bus transportation to ports, clean hydrogen has the capacity to fundamentally alter the transportation sector’s massive carbon footprint by immediately replacing highly emitting fossil fuel-powered combustion engines with clean hydrogen-powered fuel cells.
• Clean hydrogen’s most promising applications may be in high temperature, heavy industrial contexts like steel, glass, cement, and chemical manufacturing. Remember: the higher the temperature of electrolysis, the less electricity required to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. In these settings, excess heat from intensive commodity manufacturing processes can be captured and fed into high temperature electrolyzers to produce on-site hydrogen as fuel, eliminating fuel transportation costs and leveraging existing heat to power operations.
• Nuclear power plants offer an additional example where we can unlock the power of clean hydrogen. In this context, extreme, excess heat in the form of steam can be fed into high temperature electrolyzers to produce “pink” hydrogen. With zero emissions due to the abundance of heat and utilization of existing energy assets, nuclear and hydrogen are a perfect pair.
• And finally, clean hydrogen’s applicability in renewable energy projects has never been more important as governments respond to the climate crisis with the rapid and widespread adoption of solar power. Generating green hydrogen from renewable-based electricity sources like solar offers an amazing way to produce low cost, zero carbon hydrogen for a wide variety of commercial uses.

How does Bloom Energy’s hydrogen electrolyzer fit in?

Scalable and abundant clean hydrogen production from electrolysis was previously hindered by the cost of electricity. It is imperative for our net-zero future that hydrogen electrolyzers consume as little electricity as possible in order to support the financial viability of clean hydrogen. Bloom Energy has met this moment with promising results for the clean energy economy of the future.

Unlike conventional lower-temperature electrolyzers, such as proton electrolyte membrane (PEM) or alkaline, Bloom’s high-temperature electrolyzer generates 20-25% more hydrogen per megawatt (MW), demonstrating its superior performance and commercial viability. Demonstrations at both the Idaho National Laboratory’s Dynamic Energy Testing and Integration Laboratory and NASA’s Ames Research Center have proved a world record-setting level of electrical efficiency and also its replicability in large-scale, commercial applications.

Put simply, the record-setting electrical efficiency of the Bloom hydrogen electrolyzer has cemented the commercial viability of clean hydrogen. And the results speak for themselves as our company deploys this groundbreaking technology around the globe.

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