Bloom Energy, a leading provider of solid oxide fuel cells, has announced its first customer in Germany, Geothermie-Gesellschaft Bruchsal GmbH, an affiliate of the energy conglomerate EnBW.
The partnership aims to deploy 300 kilowatts of Bloom’s fuel cells to supply base load power for Geothermie-Gesellschaft Bruchsal GmbH’s geothermal plant in Bruchsal, Germany. The fuel cells will generate electricity without combustion, reducing CO2 emissions and air pollution. This project also represents Bloom’s first combined heat and power (CHP) installation in Germany, offering efficient and low-emission power solutions.
Bloom Energy’s solid oxide fuel cells, known as Energy Servers™, are designed to generate electricity from various fuels without the need for combustion. This innovative technology not only reduces carbon emissions but also produces clean heat at temperatures exceeding 350°C, enabling heat recovery for additional efficiency. The integration of Bloom’s Energy Servers with the geothermal plant’s heating grid presents a unique opportunity to harness the waste heat for various applications, such as process heating, hot water, and absorption chillers.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems play a vital role in providing both electricity and thermal energy using a range of technologies and fuels. These systems are particularly attractive for applications like industrial boilers, central heating, district heating, process water, and cooling. The key advantage of CHP is its ability to minimize energy losses by on-site production, thereby utilizing the waste heat that would otherwise be dissipated. By efficiently coupling power generation with heat recovery, CHP systems enhance overall energy utilization and contribute to sustainability goals.
Bloom Energy has been making significant strides in expanding its footprint across Europe. In addition to the project in Germany, the company recently announced its involvement in providing base load power at the largest onshore oil field in western Europe, Wytch Farm in Dorset, England. The company has also entered marketing partnership agreements for Spain and Portugal, further solidifying its commitment to promoting clean energy solutions in the region.
With a focus on innovative technologies and sustainable practices, Bloom Energy continues to be at the forefront of the clean energy revolution. By leveraging its fuel cell technology to produce electricity and heat without harmful emissions, Bloom Energy is contributing to global efforts in combatting climate change and building a greener and more sustainable future.
