EPB Announces Fuel Cell Project with UTC SimCenter

Chattanooga, TN - EPB has announced their collaboration with the UTC SimCenter and Bloom Energy in an early evaluation of pre-commercial fuel cell technology. The project, now at its earliest stage of design and planning, will help all groups involved learn more about fuel cell technology as an alternate energy source and how it can be used now and in the future.

The fuel cell will be housed at EPB's downtown office building, where it will be closely monitored by EPB, Bloom Energy, and UTC SimCenter to evaluate several factors, including its efficiency as well as operational and technological readiness. The period of the experiment is scheduled for one year, although the unit may remain functional for up to 5 years, depending on what is experienced operationally.

"Because we are a community owned company, our responsibility is to our customers and the quality of life here in the Chattanooga area. One portion of that is to always look for innovative ways to help improve our community and our area," said Steve Clark, EPB's Vice President of Strategic Systems. "The fuel cell project, with major support from Congressman Zack Wamp, is a way for EPB, Bloom Energy, and UTC SimCenter to be involved in leading edge technology that can help us all make sound decisions on alternate energy sources."

EPB projects that the fuel cell will be ready for installation at their downtown facility by late fall of this year.