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TALLAHASSEE – As hurricane season gets underway, the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) is purchasing twelve hydrogen fuel cell systems.
Operating on pure hydrogen with zero emissions, the systems will provide
pollution-free backup power for a dozen DEP offices around the state.
“Using hydrogen as a renewable power source decreases America’s dependence on
foreign oil, protects air quality and diversifies our economy,” said DEP Deputy
Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “These
state-of-the-art fuel cell systems use existing, proven technologies to deliver
reliable backup power in case of a service interruption. They will also provide
simple, cost-effective environmental benefits.”
The GenCore® is a five-kilowatt fuel cell system that operates on hydrogen,
producing water and heat as byproducts. The fuel cell systems will convert the
hydrogen gas into electricity and provide backup power for DEP’s offices during
an electricity interruption with reduced operating costs and zero emissions. The
systems will be purchased from Plug Power Inc. and warranted for two years.
“We commend the state of Florida for taking a leadership position in
promoting the use of hydrogen-powered alternative energy systems,” said Mark
Sperry, Chief Marketing Officer, Plug Power. “This purchase represents Florida's
commitment to clean, renewable energy, and specifically hydrogen fuel cells. Our
fuel cells can endure the harshest weather conditions and will provide critical
backup power during Florida’s stormiest season. We are pleased to be a part of
their initiative and look forward to making this the beginning of tomorrow's
hydrogen economy.”
Fossil fuels provide 75 percent of the fuel necessary to generate electricity
within Florida. Developing hydrogen technology gives the nation the potential
for reducing its demand for oil by more than 11 million barrels per day
according to the U.S. Department of Energy
Already a national leader in the development of hydrogen energy, Florida
currently has 15 mobile and stationary hydrogen demonstration projects underway
or in the development stage. Another 13 projects are in the planning stage.
Florida is also investing in eight of the world’s first commercially available
hydrogen shuttle busses for visitor transit in the Orlando area. Last February,
Governor Jeb Bush broke ground on Florida’s first hydrogen energy station
In 2003, the Governor also launched “H2 Florida,” a statewide initiative to
grow the hydrogen technology industry, spur investment and economic opportunity
and safeguard the nation’s natural resources. H2 Florida partners the state with
industry, local governments and academia to accelerate hydrogen innovation and
stimulate a consumer market for the newest hi-tech approach to cleaner,
sustainable sources of energy.
Plug Power Inc. is an established leader in the deployment of clean, reliable
on-site energy products. More than 500 Plug Power fuel cell systems have been
delivered to customers worldwide in commercial, public sector,
telecommunications, utility and uninterruptible power supply markets. For more
information on Plug Power, visit
www.plugpower.com.
For more information on Florida’s energy initiatives, visit
www.FloridaEnergy.org. |
2012 State of Florida