Bloom Energy has successfully installed the initial phase of a groundbreaking 10-megawatt (MW) solid oxide fuel cell contract with Unimicron Technology Corp., a prominent chip substrate and printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer in Taiwan.
The cutting-edge Energy Server™ installation was not only delivered within a swift five months of the order but was also commissioned within an astonishing three weeks from its delivery. This remarkable feat underscores Bloom Energy’s agility in dispatching power solutions promptly.
The maiden 600 kilowatts (kW) Energy Server was strategically placed at a Unimicron plant, ingeniously positioned over existing scooter and motorbike parking, ensuring minimal disruptions. This ingenious setup ensures that the facility benefits from the clean and dependable power supply, crucial for Unimicron’s clean rooms and mission-critical operations.
Tim Schweikert, the Head of Global Sales at Bloom Energy, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Bloom Energy is excited to have our first system operating in Taiwan. The project demonstrates our ability to quickly deliver power solutions to customers that need immediate power.”
Taiwan’s energy landscape is undergoing a seismic transformation, with the phased retirement of centralized coal and nuclear power facilities. This transition has spurred a substantial demand for localized, reliable, and eco-friendly power generation. Bloom’s innovative fuel cells uniquely generate electricity sans combustion, resulting in a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions. Remarkably, these fuel cells produce no nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), or particulate matter.
Beyond their environmental benefits, Bloom’s deployment will significantly bolster Taiwan’s economy. A symbiotic relationship is evident, as Taiwanese companies play a pivotal role in manufacturing crucial components for Bloom Energy. Notably, Taiwan becomes the fourth Asian nation to embrace the transformative potential of Bloom’s fuel cell systems.
Bloom’s energy platform offers a versatile configuration, enabling the creation of microgrids that can either operate alongside the conventional electricity grid or function independently. This modular, space-efficient design allows scalability in tandem with a customer’s operational growth and heightened power demands.
Importantly, Bloom’s technology offers a shield against the vagaries of extreme weather. When powered by fuel sources like natural gas with an underground pipeline network, these fuel cells ensure continuous operation, thereby avoiding the dire consequences of unforeseen downtime. Furthermore, Bloom’s solution empowers customers to proactively counter price volatility by locking in a significant portion of their electricity cost. The availability of diverse financing options and flexible term lengths further enhances the appeal of this approach.
Dave Yang, the Senior Vice President of Unimicron Technology, commended the installation process, stating, “The installation of Bloom Energy’s 600-kilowatt solid oxide fuel cell power generation system went very smoothly… We are very satisfied, and in fact, we have begun the installation of two larger-capacity Bloom fuel cell systems at other Unimicron plants.” This affirmation not only underscores the project’s success but also signifies Unimicron’s unwavering commitment to energy conservation and emissions reduction.
Bloom Energy’s pioneering efforts with solid oxide fuel cells are undeniably a cornerstone of Taiwan’s energy transformation journey, offering a sustainable, reliable, and forward-looking solution to the challenges of the modern energy landscape.
