Jan 14 2011
Cox Communications has completed construction of two next-generation fuel cells totaling 800 kilowatts (kW) that will generate enough onsite power to reduce the company’s dependence on the local power grid and decrease its carbon footprint.
Two separate 400 kilowatt (kW) installations were completed at the company’s San Diego headquarters at Federal Boulevard and Euclid Avenue. One fuel cell will provide 100% of the electrical load for one building, and the second fuel cell will provide nearly 60% of the electrical requirement for the main building.
Cox Communications is using PureCell Model 400 fuel cells from UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE: UTX).
By building these fuel cells, Cox Communications will generate enough onsite power equivalent to planting 618 acres of trees, powering 602 homes annually, and saving nearly 1 million gallons of water a year.
“Cox Communications is extremely proud to be able to make such a positive impact on our environment and help encourage other businesses to implement eco-friendly initiatives,” said Bill Geppert, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cox Communications’ San Diego operations.
The fuel cells build upon Cox Communications’ environmental stewardship in the area. In 2010, Cox San Diego was identified as a 2010 Waste Reduction Award Winner by Cal Recycles and was previously named the city of San Diego's Recycler of the Year. The company also presents its annual Cox Conserves Heroes awards program to recognize local conservation volunteers and award grants to San Diego environmental non-profits.
The fuel cell project is part of the nationwide Cox Conserves program that is designed to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 20% by 2017, and promote eco-friendly behavior among its employees, communities and other corporations.