Non-profit independent healthcare system Stamford Health has completed the installation of fuel cell systems at two of its locations in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
The installation work was carried out by California-based green energy firm Bloom Energy in partnership with SK ecoplant Americas, a subsidiary of South Korean construction engineering company.
The hospital’s Bennett Medical Center Campus has received a 2-MW Energy Server, while Tully Health Center has been equipped with a 700-kW platform. According to Bloom, the fuel cell systems will provide Stamford Health staff with predictable, stable power to help support the hospital’s ability to provide “high-quality medical care to patients”.
Bloom says its solid oxide fuel cells allow electricity to be generated from different fuels, such as biogas and natural gas, without combustion, reducing air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. Fuel cells use a process converting the fuel energy into low-carbon electricity.
Read about the Medical Industry's Moves to Decarbonization and Cleaner Operations from EnergyTech
How to Break Down Barriers to Energy Efficiency in Health Care
Penn State Hershey named Greater Good winner at 2022 Microgrid Knowledge Conference
Check out today's free Webinar on OT systems and Cybersecurity with Dragos
SK ecoplant Americas provided construction support and will continue to supply low-carbon and reliable power to Stamford Health under a 15-year energy service agreement.
“We would like to thank our partners for their work on this important project,” said Kathleen Silard, president and CEO, Stamford Health. “At Stamford Health, we aim to deliver expert, compassionate care for our patients while being a good neighbor to our surrounding communities. The installation of our new fuel cell systems allows us to deliver on both of those promises. We now have our own electric microgrid, which protects us against disruptions while reducing pollution.”
“Bloom’s non-combustion technology reduces particulate emissions for local communities,” said Ashley Shirk, Senior Account Executive, Bloom Energy. “It reduces nitrogen and sulfur dioxide by over 99% and significantly cut other criteria pollutants compared to combustion. These kinds of reductions can save the U.S. healthcare system tens of millions of dollars in treating symptoms of air pollution.”
SK ecoplant and Bloom have also partnered to complete 500 MW of fuel cell projects in South Korea.