May 8 2003
The Dow Chemical Company and General Motors Corp have reached an agreement that will see General Motors supply Dow with fuel cells to power at Dow’s operation in Freeport, Texas, USA. The significance of the deal is that it is the largest fuel cell transaction in the world to date.
The fuel cells (which General Motors is commercialising in the process) will use hydrogen generated as a co-product of Dow’s operation to generate electricity for the plant. The plant itself is 30 square miles and is their largest manufacturing facility.
Testing the concept is due to get under way towards the end of the year. If successful, they will employ 500 fuel cells. Dow will use an estimated 35 MW of power, enough to power 25,000 homes for a year.
The testing is scheduled for completion in 2005, after which time, they hope to commercialise the technology. If all goes well, Dow will also become the largest user of fuel cell generated power in the world.
The two companies are also looking opportunities to use the technology at other Dow locations. More commercial applications are also being explored with the ultimate goal of making fuel cells a more viable fuel source, such that they will be able to be used in cars.
For more information on fuel cells, click here.