Fuel Cells

Fuel cells have been touted as one of the up and coming technologies that will change the way we use energy and will replace the alkaline and lithium ion battery. The biggest hindrance to this technology becoming widely adopted is the exorbitant cost of the technology. Bloom Energy has come up with a new program that will make the cost of buying one of their industrial fuel cells a little more manageable. Normally these fuel cells are $800k but by signing up for a 10 yr contract with Bloom energy, many companies are by-passing the enormous cost and reaping the benefits of this efficient energy source. Wal-mart, Staples, and Coca-cola have all purchased some of the cells and will be using more of the units by opting into the 10 yr lease. The refrigerator sized fuel cells could save these companies upwards of 20% on their energy bills immediately after their installation which makes the appeal of these devices increase even more because they offer such instant gratification as the article discusses. Fuel cells don't create any emissions and are one of the cleaner, more efficient and reliable alternative energy sources out there. The price has been the only major obstacle, and that obstacle is slowly, but surely decreasing through programs such as Bloom's and government subsidies. As this energy form becomes more affordable it could change the way global businesses use major portions of our energy supply and potentially even be applied to homes and office buildings use energy.