Stamford Health Installs New Fuel Cell Systems

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Health last week announced the successful installation of fuel cell systems at Stamford Hospital on the Bennett Medical center Campus and Tully Health Center.

The fuel cell systems delivery always-on low-carbon energy and are resilient to electricity grid disruptions caused by weather or other factors, which ensures a reliable source of power for patients and staff while having a positive environmental impact.

"At Stamford Health, we aim to deliver expert, compassionate care for our patients while being a good neighbor to our surrounding communities," said Stamford Health President & CEO, Kathleen Silard, in a news release. "The installation of our new fuel cell systems allows us to deliver on both of those promises. We now have our own electric microgrid which protects us against disruptions while reducing pollution."

When the new Stamford Hospital opened in 2016, it was the first facility in Connecticut and the largest facility in the country to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Healthcare Certification. The fuel cell system installation marks the next step in the hospital’s continued commitment to energy and environmental design.

The systems also provide significant energy cost savings, allowing Stamford Health to reinvest those resources in patient care and access, and sharply reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

In her weekly newsletter last week, Mayor Caroline Simmons congratulated Stamford Health on the achievement.

"My administration is working closely with nonprofits and major employers across our community to make sure we support them and encourage them to lead by example – including helping us build a resilient and sustainable future prepared for the ongoing impacts of climate change," Simmons said.

The fuel systems were installed by Bloom Energy and SK ecoplant Americas. SK ecoplant managed the construction and installation while Bloom’s solid oxide fuel cells can generate electricity from a variety of fuels, including natural gas and biogas, without combustion, decreasing pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx).