An energy company has been contracted to provide its fuel cell energy servers to ensure grid reliability and to reduce carbon emissions in Korea.
The deal will see Bloom Energy collaborating with utility Korea Midland Power and telecommunications firm KT Corporation.
Korea Midland Power will install a 6MW fuel cell energy generator and storage system in Seoul’s metropolitan area.
The project will provide electricity directly to the national grid, powering more than 12,000 homes.
For KT Corporation, Bloom Energy Servers will power two projects, with each system comprising 900KW.
The two projects will also provide electricity directly to the national grid, powering more than 1,800 homes.
KT Corporation is deploying the servers as part of efforts to become a leader in advanced energy technologies.
The developments follow the country’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy calling for the deployment of up to 600MW of fuel cells by 2022.
The call is part of the ministry’s 8th Electricity Supply Demand Plan which includes expanding portfolios of clean and low-carbon emission energy resources.
To date, Korea has deployed 300MW of utility-scale electric power generation.
KR Sridar, CEO of Bloom Energy, said: “In a post-climate change world, we are all in a fight against carbon in the atmosphere, and time.
“We are proud to support South Korea in its expedited efforts to source low-carbon, clean, reliable, always-on electric power.”
Fuel cells are expected to help Korea reduce its expenses incurred in generating energy to meet rapidly increasing demand. Korea imports all of its natural gas, with resulting high fuel costs.
