Japanese carmaker Toyota earlier this week switched on a 1.1 MW fuel cell at its California headquarters in Torrance.
The Ballard Power Systems proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell will supply around half the electricity for six buildings on the site during peak demand.
The fuel cell is powered directly by a pre-existing hydrogen gas pipeline, which also serves a hydrogen filling station next to Toyota’s headquarters.
Toyota says the fuel cell, which produces zero emissions, will reduce CO2 emissions by 1500 metric tons during summer peak operating hours and save around $130,000 on the company’s annual energy bill.
“Supporting alternative energy sources like hydrogen supports Toyota’s overarching commitment to lessen our impact on the environment and drive forward innovative technology,” says Toyota Motor Sales’ senior vice president Bob Daly. “Not only will this new hydrogen fuel cell generator reduce the environmental footprint of our headquarters campus, but it showcases the power and potential of hydrogen as a fuel source.”
For further information:
www.toyota.com
www.ballard.com/
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Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5470/
