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Largest fuel cell plant...from Pepperidge Farm?

post #1 of 5
Thread Starter 

Two days ago, Pepperidge Farm (yes, that's right, the makers of Goldfish and Mint Milanos...mmm...Milanos, but I digress) dedicated their new 1.2 megawatt fuel cell power plant in Connecticut.  The fuel cell plant is installed at Pepperidge Farm's bakery facility and was manufactured by FuelCell Energy.

 

This particular installation will provide 57% of the bakery's electrical needs.  Amazingly enough, this isn't PF's first fuel cell installation.  Apparently they have a smaller one at the same site.  Combined, the two fuel cells provide 70% of the bakery's electricity.

 

Now all they need is to start cranking out organic Goldfish and they'll be set!

 

(Also, did anyone else not know that Pepperidge Farm is owned by Campbell Soup?)

post #2 of 5

That's pretty cool.  Unlike with transportation, hydrogen is a viable and efficient option for powering buildings.  Joseph Romm had a great discussion about this in The Hype About Hydrogen.

 

I wish there were more details in this article, for example, what fuel they're using to make the hydrogen.  I would guess natural gas, but according to the fuel cell manufacturer's website, there are several options.

post #3 of 5
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dana1981:

 

I wish there were more details in this article, for example, what fuel they're using to make the hydrogen.  I would guess natural gas, but according to the fuel cell manufacturer's website, there are several options.

 

The press release says they've got the DFC1500B model.  There's information on FuelCell Energy's website about the DFC1500 but not the "B" model, sadly.

post #4 of 5

Whoa - to be honest I hadn't done much reading about fuel cells for powering buildings, what are the cost differences for 1.2 MW of fuel cell as opposed to 1.2 MW of solar or wind?

 

Just curious why they would make that call...still pretty cool (and I do love both goldfish and milanos)

post #5 of 5

I have read articles about fuel cells and their future (or not) with the automobile industry and a few times it has been mentioned that they are more likely to be installed to power buildings to add some cost efficiency - since FCs are possibly too pricey for cars.  No specifics were ever given, so it's cool to see Pepperidge Farms taking this step. 

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