John Lewis is to test the use of fuel cells to produce clean energy at one of its stores for the first time.
The John Lewis Partnership has signed a commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AFC Energy, to test its low cost alkaline fuel cells in one of the retailer’s stores. If successful, the technology will be rolled out across the retailer’s 226 Waitrose supermarkets, allowing the retailer to reduce its carbon emissions at the same time as increasing its energy security.
Clean technology
AFC Energy has developed low cost alkaline fuel cells, which the company claims have the highest electrical efficiency at 60 per cent. The fuel cells generate clean energy by combining oxygen from the air with supplied hydrogen, aided by an electrolyte. The electricity generation process produces no emissions other than water. The water can then be used for heating, further helping to reduce the store’s environmental impacts.
Not only are alkaline fuel cells a low carbon option, but they also offer a lower-cost alternative to other fuel cells. Since alkaline fuel cells function at about 70 degrees centigrade, they are less expensive to build and do not require any precious metals.
"AFC Energy and the John Lewis Partnership have the opportunity to demonstrate a revolutionary solution to distributed low carbon energy," said Ian Balchin, AFC Energy deputy chairman. "Together we will be able to translate growing demand for low carbon solutions into real terms cost reduction. I look forward to the prospect of progressing our mutual commitment beyond the MoU."
Carbon reduction targets
The use of fuel cells could assist John Lewis in its pledge to reduce its absolute carbon emissions by 15 per cent by 2020 while still doubling its target revenue. About 65 per cent of the company’s carbon emissions are from energy use, so fuel cells would be an additional alternative source of power that could be generated onsite rather than from the National Grid.
"The John Lewis Partnership has identified the potential of AFC Energy as a key partner in our efforts to reduce emissions as we continue to expand," said Toby Marlow, John Lewis Partnership engineering manager. "Their alkaline fuel cell gives us the opportunity to make clean electricity on site: it is a revolutionary prospect with exciting potential. This first demonstration could be the beginning of a mutually beneficial long-term relationship."
Source: www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk
The John Lewis Partnership has signed a commercial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AFC Energy, to test its low cost alkaline fuel cells in one of the retailer’s stores. If successful, the technology will be rolled out across the retailer’s 226 Waitrose supermarkets, allowing the retailer to reduce its carbon emissions at the same time as increasing its energy security.
Clean technology
AFC Energy has developed low cost alkaline fuel cells, which the company claims have the highest electrical efficiency at 60 per cent. The fuel cells generate clean energy by combining oxygen from the air with supplied hydrogen, aided by an electrolyte. The electricity generation process produces no emissions other than water. The water can then be used for heating, further helping to reduce the store’s environmental impacts.
Not only are alkaline fuel cells a low carbon option, but they also offer a lower-cost alternative to other fuel cells. Since alkaline fuel cells function at about 70 degrees centigrade, they are less expensive to build and do not require any precious metals.
"AFC Energy and the John Lewis Partnership have the opportunity to demonstrate a revolutionary solution to distributed low carbon energy," said Ian Balchin, AFC Energy deputy chairman. "Together we will be able to translate growing demand for low carbon solutions into real terms cost reduction. I look forward to the prospect of progressing our mutual commitment beyond the MoU."
Carbon reduction targets
The use of fuel cells could assist John Lewis in its pledge to reduce its absolute carbon emissions by 15 per cent by 2020 while still doubling its target revenue. About 65 per cent of the company’s carbon emissions are from energy use, so fuel cells would be an additional alternative source of power that could be generated onsite rather than from the National Grid.
"The John Lewis Partnership has identified the potential of AFC Energy as a key partner in our efforts to reduce emissions as we continue to expand," said Toby Marlow, John Lewis Partnership engineering manager. "Their alkaline fuel cell gives us the opportunity to make clean electricity on site: it is a revolutionary prospect with exciting potential. This first demonstration could be the beginning of a mutually beneficial long-term relationship."
Source: www.greenwisebusiness.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment