Chattanooga, Tenn. – EPB has announced their collaboration with the UTC
SimCenter and Bloom Energy in an early evaluation of pre-commercial
fuel cell technology. The project, now at its earliest stage of design
and planning, will help all groups involved learn more about fuel cell
technology as an alternate energy source and how it can be used now and
in the future.
The fuel cell will be housed at EPB's downtown office building, where
it will be closely monitored by EPB, Bloom Energy, and UTC SimCenter to
evaluate several factors, including its efficiency as well as
operational and technological readiness. The period of the experiment
is scheduled for one year, although the unit may remain functional for
up to 5 years, depending on what is experienced operationally.
"Because we are a community owned company, our responsibility is to our
customers and the quality of life here in the Chattanooga area. One
portion of that is to always look for innovative ways to help improve
our community and our area," said Steve Clark, EPB's Vice President of
Strategic Systems. "The fuel cell project, with major support from
Congressman Zack Wamp, is a way for EPB, Bloom Energy, and UTC
SimCenter to be involved in leading edge technology that can help us
all make sound decisions on alternate energy sources."
EPB projects that the fuel cell will be ready for installation at their downtown facility by late fall of this year.
