CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — IKEA has announced plans to install a biogas-operated fuel cell system manufactured by Bloom Energy at its location in Emeryville, California, one of two San Francisco-area stores for the company. The fuel cell system will be installed, commissioned, and activated by this summer.

Slightly larger than the physical size of a commercial back-up generator, the 300-kW system will produce approximately 2,497,651 kWh of electricity annually for the store. The fuel cell system, combined with the rooftop solar power system installed atop the store in 2011, will enable the facility to generate a majority of its energy onsite.

For the design, development, and installation of this fuel cell system, IKEA contracted with Sunnyvale, California-based Bloom Energy, a provider of solid oxide fuel cell technology.

“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with fuel cells at IKEA Emeryville,” said Pat Choa, store manager. “Similar to our rooftop solar array, this fuel cell system will reduce greatly our carbon footprint and the store’s reliance on the power grid as well as contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.”

This investment in fuel cell technology reflects the company’s goal to be energy independent by 2020 and complements other IKEA renewable programs in the U.S., including solar presence at nearly 90 percent of its locations, a geothermal heating and cooling system at two stores, and two wind farms totaling 104 turbines.

For more information, visit www.ikea-usa.com.

Publication date: 4/27/2015

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