ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRY NEWS
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Cox O.C. reduces environmental impact with fuel-cell technology
The project will generate more than half of the company's energy needs.
By Caitlin AdamsPublished: February 04, 2011 12:59 PM
Rancho Santa Margarita-based Cox Communications is using an 800-kilowatt fuel cell to generate more than half of its own energy – making it one of the first companies in Southern California to do so. The project will reduce Cox's energy costs by using a clean, renewable source to generate electricity, thereby lowering the firm’s dependence on the local power grid and further decreasing its carbon footprint.
Emissions savings are expected to be more than 2,707 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year – and that's roughly equal to planting 624 acres of trees. And, combined with the O.C. location's previously installed 100-kilowatt photovoltaic rooftop solar array, the applications will offset the yearly amount of pollution produced by more than 850 cars.
“At Cox Communications, we’re always looking for innovative ways to do business more sustainably to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Duffy Leone, vice president of operations for Cox Communications in California. “The fuel-cell technology is one of the most cutting-edge environmental solutions on the market for renewable energy."
The platform is made up of two UTC Power PureCell Model 400 fuel-cell units, which will provide nearly 60 percent of the building’s total electricity demands. The system is highly efficient, nearly pollutant-free, and produces electricity, heat and water through an electrochemical process combining hydrogen and oxygen. The cells will be powered by a blend of biogas and natural gas. Cox will further improve the system’s sustainability by burning biogas to prevent methane from entering the environment.
This is not the first fuel-cell technology installation for Cox, which has its national headquarters in Atlanta, Ga.; the KTVU television station in Oakland, Calif., completed a 400-kilowatt fuel-cell system installation in January 2010. And Cox San Diego recently installed 400-kilowatt units at two separate facilities.
Orange County and San Diego's installations together produce enough clean energy to power 1,200 average-size homes.
"The launch of Cox’s fuel-cell program at the Orange County facility, together with our overall Cox Conserves initiatives, clearly demonstrates our commitment to our customers, to our communities and to the state of California,” said Leone.
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Emissions savings are expected to be more than 2,707 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year – and that's roughly equal to planting 624 acres of trees. And, combined with the O.C. location's previously installed 100-kilowatt photovoltaic rooftop solar array, the applications will offset the yearly amount of pollution produced by more than 850 cars. “At Cox Communications, we’re always looking for innovative ways to do business more sustainably to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Duffy Leone, vice president of operations for Cox Communications in California. “The fuel-cell technology is one of the most cutting-edge environmental solutions on the market for renewable energy." The platform is made up of two UTC Power PureCell Model 400 fuel-cell units, which will provide nearly 60 percent of the building’s total electricity demands. The system is highly efficient, nearly pollutant-free, and produces electricity, heat and water through an electrochemical process combining hydrogen and oxygen. The cells will be powered by a blend of biogas and natural gas. Cox will further improve the system’s sustainability by burning biogas to prevent methane from entering the environment. This is not the first fuel-cell technology installation for Cox, which has its national headquarters in Atlanta, Ga.; the KTVU television station in Oakland, Calif., completed a 400-kilowatt fuel-cell system installation in January 2010. And Cox San Diego recently installed 400-kilowatt units at two separate facilities. Orange County and San Diego's installations together produce enough clean energy to power 1,200 average-size homes. "The launch of Cox’s fuel-cell program at the Orange County facility, together with our overall Cox Conserves initiatives, clearly demonstrates our commitment to our customers, to our communities and to the state of California,” said Leone. Related headlines Clean Energy subsidiary secures deal with Ford Vanguard University hosts environmental conference OC METRO, February issue: 'Taking the LEED' |
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