FuelCell Energy Technology to be Used in Sacramento Wastewater Biofuel Clean Energy Project
- FuelCell Energy's carbonate fuel cell technology to be used in a biogeneration project for Sacramento Area Sewer District.
- The fuel cell platforms produce power, heat, and potential for green hydrogen production.
- FuelCell Energy offers maintenance services to ensure efficient operation and reduced emissions for Sacramento Sewer.
- The technology runs on on-site biogas without combustion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants.
- FuelCell Energy's partnership with Sacramento Sewer aligns with sustainability goals and leverages state and federal benefits for clean energy projects.
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Insights
The deployment of FuelCell Energy's technology in the Sacramento Area Sewer District signifies a strategic move towards sustainable energy solutions within the utility sector. This adoption of non-combustion fuel cell technology not only aligns with the broader industry trend of reducing carbon footprints but also leverages federal incentives, such as the increased tax credit benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act. Utility companies and investors are likely to monitor this project's performance as a benchmark for similar future investments, especially considering the potential operational cost reductions and the boost to Sacramento Sewer's environmental credentials.
Moreover, the mention of FuelCell Energy's compliance with domestic content requirements suggests a competitive advantage in securing projects that aim to benefit from federal tax incentives. This could lead to an increased demand for their technology, particularly in states like California that have stringent air quality regulations and ambitious sustainability goals. The long-term implications for stakeholders include a possible increase in market share for FuelCell Energy and a strengthening of its position as a provider of clean energy solutions.
From a regulatory and environmental policy perspective, the project between FuelCell Energy and Sacramento Sewer represents a practical application of clean energy policy initiatives. The ability of FuelCell's platforms to meet CARB distributed generation standards not only facilitates a quicker installation process due to streamlined air permitting but also reflects a growing synergy between clean technology companies and regulatory bodies.
Projects like this serve as a model for how public-private partnerships can advance environmental goals and public health objectives. The community benefits from reduced emissions are significant, as the technology promises to mitigate local air pollutants such as NOx and SOx. This aligns with the broader policy objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, potentially influencing future legislation and environmental standards.
Examining the technological aspects, FuelCell Energy's carbonate fuel cell platforms represent a notable advancement in sustainable energy technology. The use of on-site biogas to generate electricity without combustion is a breakthrough that could disrupt traditional energy generation methods. The integration of this technology with wastewater treatment processes not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to the circular economy by utilizing waste byproducts as a fuel source.
Additionally, the potential for future production of renewable green hydrogen positions the company at the forefront of next-generation clean energy solutions. As the market for green hydrogen develops, this capability could become a significant driver of growth for FuelCell Energy, potentially opening up new revenue streams and partnerships within the energy sector.
Sewer District will use FCE’s energy delivery and emissions management platform to create clean electricity from onsite biofuel
DANBURY, Conn., April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCEL), announced that its carbonate fuel cell technology will be used in a biogeneration project developed by Ameresco for the Sacramento Area Sewer District (Sacramento Sewer) to convert on-site biofuel into clean electricity. One of the company’s 2.8-Megawatt carbonate fuel cell platforms, which produces power and useful heat from biogas and has the potential for future production of renewable green hydrogen, will be deployed on the project.
The company also said that it has entered an agreement to provide comprehensive maintenance services for the fuel cell system, which will ensure that Sacramento Sewer can focus on its mission of protecting public health and the environment while delivering renewable power from the cleanest technology available.
Jason Few, FuelCell Energy’s CEO & President, commented, “FuelCell Energy’s patented power platforms are unique in their ability to run on on-site biogas without combustion, and they help community facilities like SacSewer produce efficient, clean, and continuous electricity with reduced operating expenses. Plus, the community benefits from reduced greenhouse gas emissions and less pollutants.”
He added, “FuelCell Energy’s technology is also helping local governments meet their sustainability goals by minimizing or avoiding the use of combustion-based boilers for heat, while boosting their resiliency and limiting their dependence on the local grid.”
FuelCell Energy has been doing business in California since 2005 and has partnered with several government entities seeking to provide clean energy to their communities through innovative platforms. This includes three other installations that have been successfully running on biogas in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Tulare.
How the technology works
FuelCell Energy platforms use an electrochemical reaction to create clean energy, rather than combustion, which has multiple benefits.
- The system runs directly on on-site biogas from the wastewater treatment process, without costly upgrading to pipeline quality gas, or the costly pipeline build out to connect that gas to a common carrier pipeline to produce clean power.
- FuelCell Energy’s proprietary fuel clean-up system removes siloxanes and sulfur compounds to maximize usable on-site biogas.
- Waste heat generated by the fuel cell will be used to support the anaerobic digestion process, which helps to break down the decomposing materials that create biogas.
- The fuel cell's chemical reaction is virtually free of NOx, SOx, and particulate matter emissions, which improves air quality for the community.
Benefits of Working with FuelCell Energy
In addition to the environmental sustainability aspects of the platform, the project with Sacramento Sewer, Ameresco and FuelCell Energy demonstrates the use of available state and federal benefits designed to help communities develop clean energy projects.
When Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, it included provisions that would allow owners of clean energy projects to increase their federal tax credit benefit by
Since its establishment in the U.S. in 1969, FuelCell Energy has manufactured its core technology domestically and has held a long-time commitment to working with other U.S. manufacturers, including in California. Based on the rules issued by the IRS in 2023, FuelCell energy is a domestic content provider.
In California, FuelCell Energy's platforms have received key certifications under the California Air and Resource Board (CARB) distributed generation standards, which allows the local air quality management district to utilize a streamlined air permitting process, accelerate the installation of this installation and clean energy projects the company pursues in California.
About FuelCell Energy
FuelCell Energy, Inc. is a global leader in sustainable clean energy technologies that address some of the world’s most critical challenges around energy, safety, and global urbanization. It collectively holds 531 fuel cell technology patents in the United States and globally. As a leading global manufacturer of proprietary fuel cell technology platforms, FuelCell Energy is uniquely positioned to serve customers including businesses, utilities, governments, and municipalities with sustainable products and solutions. The company’s solutions are designed to enable a world empowered by clean energy, enhancing the quality of life for people around the globe. Learn more at fuelcellenergy.com.
Contacts:
ir@fce.com
203.205.2491
Kathleen Blomquist
kblomquist@fce.com
203.546.5844
FAQ
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