Building the Blueprint for Cleaner Power at Project Jupiter
By Josh Pitcock, senior vice president, Oracle and Natalie Sunderland, chief marketing officer, Bloom Energy
In southern New Mexico, air quality, water, energy reliability and economic opportunity all matter. They matter to families, workers, businesses and the long-term future of Doña Ana County. And they matter to us.
Project Jupiter's updated power plan is a massive step forward on those issues. And we will continue looking for ways to improve as the project moves forward.
The most important change in the power plan is that Bloom Energy is now going to generate power using cleaner fuel cell technology. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process rather than combustion. That distinction is important.
When it comes to air quality, the practical difference between combustion and non-combustion technology matters. Using Bloom Energy's fuels cells instead of the previously planned gas turbines to power the data center is expected to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 92 percent, carbon monoxide by 67 percent, and carbon dioxide by 21 percent. It's an industry leading system, designed by incredible engineers, and is a direct response to concerns residents raised about air quality, water use, and community impact.
Not only does the fuel cell power source materially reduce regulated air pollutants needed to power the campus, but it also provides a pathway to lower-carbon fuels in the future: Bloom's fuel cell technology can operate on lower-carbon fuels such as hydrogen or biogas once those options become commercially viable.
The fuel cells will also dramatically reduce the project's water consumption. Just like the data center's closed-loop cooling system, Bloom's fuel cells require a one-time fill to startup and then no water during normal operations. Over a 15-year period, the data center and fuel cell system together will use, on average each year, about as much water as about nine U.S. households do over the same timeframe. The water needed for startup and maintenance will come from non-potable industrial well water. Community drinking water will only be used for ordinary office needs, such as kitchens and restrooms. In southern New Mexico, we know every gallon counts.
Bloom Energy Servers are also enclosed commercial systems designed to manage heat safely. Their exterior surfaces are only warm to the touch.
It's normal for residents to have questions about a project of this size. Every large infrastructure project should be examined closely and judged based on the choices being made.
Project Jupiter's new power plan is an historic investment in New Mexico to reduce impacts on local air quality and lower water use and ensure that Doña Ana County residents do not pay for the project's energy needs. It reflects our commitment to earning the community's trust and being a long-term partner to Doña Ana County.
Learn more at ProjectJupiterTogether.com.
