Bloom Energy Announces Hydrogen Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with 60% Electrical Efficiency and 90% High Temperature Combined Heat and Power Efficiency
Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) has announced a breakthrough in its Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology, achieving ~60% electrical efficiency using 100% hydrogen. This milestone, reached at their R&D facility in Fremont, California, positions Bloom as a leader in the hydrogen industry. The Bloom Energy Server™ power solution offers significant advantages over traditional combustion technologies, including higher efficiency and negligible environmental pollutants.
Key features of Bloom's SOFC technology include:
- Fuel flexibility: operates on natural gas, hydrogen, and blends
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) enabled, allowing for up to 90% combined efficiency
- High-temperature heat output, suitable for various industrial applications
- Potential for wider adoption of hydrogen as a fuel source due to high efficiency
This advancement is particularly relevant for energy-intensive industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing, offering a solution for 24/7 clean power production in conjunction with other renewable sources.
Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) ha annunciato una svolta nella sua tecnologia delle celle a combustibile a ossido solido (SOFC), raggiungendo un'efficienza elettrica di circa il 60% utilizzando il 100% di idrogeno. Questo traguardo, conseguito presso il loro stabilimento di R&S a Fremont, California, posiziona Bloom come leader nel settore dell'idrogeno. La soluzione energetica Bloom Energy Server™ offre vantaggi significativi rispetto alle tecnologie di combustione tradizionali, inclusa una maggiore efficienza e un inquinamento ambientale trascurabile.
Le caratteristiche chiave della tecnologia SOFC di Bloom includono:
- Flessibilità del combustibile: funziona con gas naturale, idrogeno e miscele
- Prodotto combinato di calore ed energia (CHP) abilitato, consentendo un'efficienza combinata fino al 90%
- Produzione di calore ad alta temperatura, adatta a varie applicazioni industriali
- Potenziale per un'adozione più ampia dell'idrogeno come fonte di combustibile grazie all'alta efficienza
Questo progresso è particolarmente rilevante per le industrie ad alta intensità energetica come i data center e la produzione avanzata, offrendo una soluzione per la produzione di energia pulita 24 ore su 24, 7 giorni su 7 in combinazione con altre fonti rinnovabili.
Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) ha anunciado un avance en su tecnología de Celdas de Combustible de Óxido Sólido (SOFC), logrando una eficiencia eléctrica de aproximadamente el 60% utilizando 100% de hidrógeno. Este hito, alcanzado en su instalación de I+D en Fremont, California, posiciona a Bloom como líder en la industria del hidrógeno. La solución energética Bloom Energy Server™ ofrece ventajas significativas sobre las tecnologías de combustión tradicionales, incluidas una mayor eficiencia y contaminantes ambientales despreciables.
Las características clave de la tecnología SOFC de Bloom incluyen:
- Flexibilidad de combustible: opera con gas natural, hidrógeno y mezclas
- Combinado de Calor y Energía (CHP) habilitado, permitiendo hasta 90% de eficiencia combinada
- Salida de calor de alta temperatura, adecuada para diversas aplicaciones industriales
- Potencial para una adopción más amplia del hidrógeno como fuente de combustible debido a su alta eficiencia
Este avance es particularmente relevante para industrias intensivas en energía como los centros de datos y la manufactura avanzada, ofreciendo una solución para la producción de energía limpia 24/7 junto con otras fuentes renovables.
블룸 에너지 (NYSE:BE)는 고체 산화물 연료 전지 (SOFC) 기술에서 약 60%의 전기 효율성을 달성하며 100% 수소를 사용한 혁신을 발표했습니다. 이 이정표는 캘리포니아 프리몬트에 있는 연구개발 시설에서 달성되었으며, 블룸을 수소 산업의 선두주자로 자리매김하게 합니다. 블룸 에너지 서버™ 전원 솔루션은 전통적인 연소 기술에 비해 중요한 장점을 제공하며, 이는 더 높은 효율성과 무시할 수 있는 환경 오염물질을 포함합니다.
블룸의 SOFC 기술의 주요 특징은 다음과 같습니다:
- 연료 유연성: 천연가스, 수소 및 혼합물에서 작동
- 열병합 발전 (CHP) 가능, 최대 90%의 결합 효율성 제공
- 고온 열 출력, 다양한 산업 응용 분야에 적합
- 높은 효율성으로 인한 수소 연료 소스의 더 넓은 채택 가능성
이 발전은 데이터 센터 및 고급 제조와 같은 에너지 집약적 산업에 특히 관련이 있으며, 다른 재생 가능 에너지원과 함께 24시간 청정 전력 생산을 위한 솔루션을 제공합니다.
Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) a annoncé une avancée dans sa technologie de piles à combustible à oxyde solide (SOFC), atteignant une efficacité électrique d'environ 60% en utilisant 100% d'hydrogène. Cette étape importante, atteinte dans leur installation de recherche et développement à Fremont, Californie, positionne Bloom comme un leader dans l'industrie de l'hydrogène. La solution énergétique Bloom Energy Server™ offre des avantages significatifs par rapport aux technologies de combustion traditionnelles, y compris une efficacité supérieure et des polluants environnementaux négligeables.
Les caractéristiques clés de la technologie SOFC de Bloom incluent :
- Flexibilité des combustibles : fonctionne avec du gaz naturel, de l'hydrogène et des mélanges
- Production combinée de chaleur et d'énergie (CHP) activée, permettant jusqu'à 90% d'efficacité combinée
- Production de chaleur à haute température, adaptée à diverses applications industrielles
- Potentiel pour une adoption plus large de l'hydrogène comme source de combustible grâce à sa haute efficacité
Cette avancée est particulièrement pertinente pour les industries à forte intensité énergétique telles que les centres de données et la fabrication avancée, offrant une solution pour la production d'énergie propre 24/7 en conjonction avec d'autres sources d'énergie renouvelables.
Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) hat einen Durchbruch in seiner Technologie der Festoxid-Brennstoffzellen (SOFC) bekannt gegeben und eine elektrische Effizienz von etwa 60% unter Verwendung von 100% Wasserstoff erreicht. Dieser Meilenstein, der in ihrer Forschungs- und Entwicklungseinrichtung in Fremont, Kalifornien, erreicht wurde, positioniert Bloom als führendes Unternehmen in der Wasserstoffbranche. Die Bloom Energy Server™-Stromlösung bietet deutliche Vorteile gegenüber traditionellen Verbrennungstechnologien, darunter eine höhere Effizienz und vernachlässigbare Umweltverschmutzung.
Die wichtigsten Merkmale der SOFC-Technologie von Bloom umfassen:
- Brennstoffflexibilität: funktioniert mit Erdgas, Wasserstoff und Mischungen
- Kombinierte Wärme- und Stromversorgung (CHP) aktiviert, ermöglicht bis zu 90% kombinierte Effizienz
- Hochtemperaturwärmeabgabe, geeignet für verschiedene industrielle Anwendungen
- Potenzial für eine breitere Akzeptanz von Wasserstoff als Brennstoffquelle aufgrund der hohen Effizienz
Dieser Fortschritt ist besonders relevant für energieintensive Industrien wie Rechenzentren und fortschrittliche Fertigung und bietet eine Lösung für die 24/7-Erzeugung von sauberer Energie in Verbindung mit anderen erneuerbaren Energiequellen.
- Achieved ~60% electrical efficiency using 100% hydrogen in SOFC technology
- Fuel flexibility allows operation on natural gas, hydrogen, and blends
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) enabled, offering up to 90% combined efficiency
- Negligible environmental pollutants compared to combustion technologies
- High-temperature heat output suitable for various industrial applications
- Carbon-free hydrogen is generally more expensive than traditional fuel sources
Insights
Bloom Energy's announcement of a 60% electrical efficiency for their hydrogen-powered Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is a significant technological advancement. This efficiency level surpasses traditional combustion technologies and other fuel cell types, potentially reducing operational costs for hydrogen-based power generation. The 90% combined heat and power (CHP) efficiency further enhances its value proposition.
The fuel flexibility of Bloom's technology, capable of using natural gas, hydrogen, or blends, positions it well for the energy transition. This adaptability could accelerate hydrogen adoption while allowing for a gradual shift from natural gas infrastructure. The negligible NOx emissions compared to reciprocating engines or turbines also address environmental concerns.
However, the cost and availability of carbon-free hydrogen remain significant hurdles for widespread adoption. While Bloom's high efficiency may help offset these costs, the overall economics will depend heavily on hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure development.
Bloom Energy's hydrogen SOFC technology presents a promising path for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing. The negligible air pollutants, particularly NOx, offer a significant environmental advantage over combustion technologies. This could be important for meeting stringent air quality regulations in urban areas.
The ability to blend hydrogen with natural gas allows for a gradual reduction in CO2 emissions while maintaining fuel flexibility. This approach could facilitate a smoother transition to a hydrogen economy without requiring immediate, wholesale infrastructure changes.
However, the environmental benefits hinge on the source of hydrogen. While the fuel cell itself produces no direct emissions, the overall carbon footprint depends on the hydrogen production method. 'Green' hydrogen from renewable sources would maximize environmental benefits, but 'grey' hydrogen from natural gas reforming could offset some of the gains.
Bloom Energy's high-efficiency hydrogen SOFC positions the company as a leader in the emerging hydrogen economy. The
The technology's flexibility to use natural gas, hydrogen, or blends makes it attractive to customers seeking future-proof solutions. This could drive adoption in sectors looking to gradually transition away from fossil fuels without committing to immediate, costly infrastructure overhauls.
However, market penetration may face challenges due to the current high costs of green hydrogen. While Bloom's efficiency improvements help, widespread adoption will likely depend on broader hydrogen ecosystem development, including production scale-up and distribution infrastructure. The company's success may be tied to policy support for hydrogen technologies and carbon pricing mechanisms that favor low-emission solutions.
-
Highest electrical efficiency demonstrated on its Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) platform when using
100% Hydrogen - Bloom’s fuel cell technology has demonstrated operations1 on both natural gas, hydrogen and on blends thereof making it future proof
- Negligible environmental pollutants like NOx emitted compared to reciprocating engines or turbines
Bloom engineers achieved the milestone efficiency at the company’s research and development facility in
“With our world-leading efficiency3 electrolyzer and the Bloom Energy fuel cell technology capable of running on natural gas and hydrogen blends, this achievement builds on our leadership position in the hydrogen industry,” said Ravi Prasher, chief technology officer for Bloom Energy.
Carbon-free hydrogen fuel cell for electricity production enables 24 X 7 clean power in conjunction with other renewable electricity sources4. As energy intensive industries like data centers and advanced manufacturing continue to place increased electricity demand on the grid, efficient distributed electricity production from carbon-free hydrogen is a vital tool to reduce both carbon emissions and strain on the congested grid.
Carbon-free hydrogen is generally more expensive than traditional sources of fuel, such as natural gas or grey hydrogen5, making high electrical efficiency critical to achieving low cost electricity. Bloom’s breakthrough electrical efficiency at
SOFC technology is uniquely placed in the energy transition through the production of electricity by direct electrochemical conversion as compared to conventional combustion technologies, such as turbines and reciprocating engines. This leads to significantly higher electric efficiency6 and negligible environmental pollutants7 as compared to the combustion technologies as shown in the table below.
In addition to offering unmatched electrical efficiency, Bloom’s high temperature SOFC technology is also Combined Heat and Power (CHP) enabled, allowing customers to utilize high temperature heat. This is in contrast to other fuel cell technologies8 which can only provide low temperature heat. Customers can use this high temperature heat in numerous applications, including running absorption chillers, industrial processes, and building heating. When fully utilized, this allows for a combined
The table below highlights the advantages of Bloom’s offering over traditional systems and other fuel cell technologies using hydrogen.
|
BE SOFC |
Other Fuel Cells PEM/PAFC |
Combustion Technologies |
Electrical Efficiency at full load1 |
High |
Medium |
Low |
Combined Heat and Power Efficiency |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
Heat Output Temperature |
High |
Low |
High |
Air Pollutants |
Negligible |
Negligible |
High |
*Efficiency is based on beginning of life operation
About Bloom Energy
Bloom Energy empowers businesses and communities to responsibly take charge of their energy. The company’s leading solid oxide platform for distributed generation of electricity and hydrogen is changing the future of energy. Fortune 100 companies around the world turn to Bloom Energy as a trusted partner to deliver lower carbon energy today and a net-zero future. For more information, visit www.bloomenergy.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or the negative of these words or similar terms or expressions that concern Bloom’s expectations, strategy, priorities, plans, or intentions. These forward-looking statements include adoption of hydrogen as a fuel source and advancement of the hydrogen economy. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual future events or results due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties detailed in Bloom’s SEC filings. More information on potential risks and uncertainties that may impact Bloom’s business are set forth in Bloom’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 15, 2024, and May 9, 2024, respectively, as well as subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Bloom assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any such forward-looking statements.
1 https://www.bloomenergy.com/news/socalgas-and-bloom-energy-showcase-technology-to-power-hydrogen-economy-with-gas-blending-project/
2 Bloom Internal Engineering Data
3 https://www.bloomenergy.com/news/idaho-national-lab-and-bloom-energy-produce-hydrogen-at-record-setting-efficiencies/
4 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0957582024001459
5 https://about.bnef.com/blog/green-hydrogen-to-undercut-gray-sibling-by-end-of-decade/
6 EPA: Analysis of Hydrogen in Combustion Turbine Electric Generating Units
7 https://netl.doe.gov/sites/default/files/publication/A-Literature-Review-of-Hydrogen-and-Natural-Gas-Turbines-081222.pdf
8 https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-07/documents/catalog_of_chp_technologies_section_6._technology_characterization_-_fuel_cells.pdf
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Source: Bloom Energy
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