The EcoEdge PrimePower (E2P2) proof-of-concept initiative aims to develop the authoritative open standard for fuel cell applications, paving the way towards the commercialization of fuel cell energy for data centres and other energy-intensive industries.
A consortium of seven companies—Equinix, InfraPrime, RISE, Snam, SolydEra, Tec4Fuels, Vertiv and now Deerns as system integrator—are exploring an innovative integration of solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) technology and lithium-ion batteries to provide resilient and clean primary power to data centre deployments and other critical infrastructure. Implementing natural gas SOFC as a prime power application will be instrumental to pave the way for the use of green hydrogen for fuel cells application, for both backup and prime power systems.
– “Equinix is committed to decarbonization through the emerging hydrogen economy. Equinix is already on this journey with significant investments in SOFC technology in North America and has engaged to support such developments globally, supporting local actions. We welcome Deerns as part of the E2P2 Consortium to play a significant role in the current E2P2 pilot project at Equinix’s ML-5 data center”
says Suresh Pichai, Global Design & Construction Director at Equinix.
At the heart of this vision, is a market-oriented approach that integrates innovation and stakeholder engagement to maximize acceptance and uptake opportunities of stationary fuel cells as reliable, efficient and decentralized power sources for industrial-scale applications.
– We are excited to be part of this initiative that, if successful, will pave the way for many more projects of its kind. Deerns’ role as system integrator will allow us to bring our experience from over 20 years of designing and engineering leading class data centres, to ensure optimum outcomes for the project”
says Cosimo Verteramo, Division Director Life Science & High Tech at Deerns.
The E2P2 project has received funding from the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (now Clean Hydrogen Partnership) under Grant Agreement No 101007219. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme, Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research.