Bloom Energy introduced a high-volume hydrogen electrolyzer production line at its Newark plant.
The electrolyzer is designed uses electricity and water to make “green hydrogen” that can be used to cut the use of fossil fuels in industrial processes and other areas. Most hydrogen is produced through the heavy use of natural gas.
Electrolyzer technology is being tested for use at nuclear power plants during times when electricity demand is down and excess power could be used to produce hydrogen,
The technology is derived from Bloom’s fuel cells that produce electricity from natural gas, renewable natural gas and even hydrogen.
On hand were dignitaries that included U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Delaware, who toured the site.
The Bloom plant manufactures fuel cells and electrolyzers at the University of Delaware’s Star Campus.
During the last decade, the Newark site has produced over one gigawatt of fuel cells known as Energy Serviers..
“Through the domestic production of technologies like Bloom Energy’s electrolyzer, we are making strides towards American energy independence, as well as a sustainable clean hydrogen market, which is critical for decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries like fertilizer, steel, cement, and aviation,” said Sharelynn Moore, executive vice president and chief business development and marketing officer, Bloom Energy. “Our employees work every day to overcome one of humanity’s greatest challenges, and today’s inauguration celebrates their strength and ability to transform a successful manufacturing plant into a world class facility committed to a secure, net-zero energy future.”
By operating at high temperatures, Bloom’s electrolyzer consumes 15 percent less electricity than other electrolyzer technologies when electricity is the sole input source, according to a company release. This allows for the Bloom Electrolyzer to be deployed across a broad variety of commercial hydrogen applications, using multiple energy sources, including intermittent renewable energy and excess heat at manufacturing facilities and businesses.
In July, Bloom marked the opening of its 164,000 square foo facility in Fremont. The facility represents a $200 million investment and is expected to create more than 400 additional jobs by year-end, bringing Bloom’s California headcount to nearly 2,000 in addition to its 715 Delaware employees.
Bloom is based in San Jose, a short drive from Fremont.
