Bloom Energy breaks ground on new Manufacturing Center in Delaware, and announces new customers leading the way in energy innovation

Sunnyvale, CA –  Bloom Energy®, a provider of clean, reliable, affordable power, today broke ground on a new BloomEnergyManufacturingCenter in Newark, Delaware. Located on the 272-acre site formerly occupied by a Chrysler assembly plant, and now owned by the University of Delaware, the BloomEnergyManufacturingCenteris expected to bring hundreds of 21^st century manufacturing jobs to the region. “Choosing a location for the facility that we are here to celebrate today was a very big decision for us,” said KR Sridhar, Principal Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bloom Energy.  Sridhar said Delaware’s business-friendly climate and the support of Governor Markell, the Delaware General Assembly and other state officials played a huge role in Bloom selecting the state as the site for its expansion.  “Once the BloomEnergyManufacturingCenter is completed, we will double Bloom Energy’s production capacity,” he added. “Delaware complements our California roots and strategically positions us to better serve our expanding customer base.”

New Customers

At today’s groundbreaking for the BloomEnergyManufacturingCenter, Sridhar announced Bloom’s new customers, which include Owens Corning, Urban Outfitters, Delmarva Power, Washington Gas and AT&T, which already uses Bloom Energy Servers at its Californiafacilities. They join Fortune 500 companies such as Google, eBay, Wal-Mart, Staples and Coca-Cola that have already installed Bloom Energy Servers– or “Bloom Boxes” to generate clean power. Bloom Boxes use revolutionary solid oxide fuel cell technology that converts fuel to electricity using an electrochemical reaction, rather than combustion.  As a result, customers can greatly reduce their carbon footprint while also cutting operating costs.

Bloom Becomes Bi-Coastal

While praising Delaware’s strategic location and business-friendly environment, Sridhar stressed that Bloom Energy will continue to be headquartered in California, and will continue to manufacture Bloom Boxes at its growing Sunnyvale, California plant, where more than 1000 jobs have been created.“We are very pleased to be contributing in our own modest way to the continued leadership in innovation in this country, but perhaps even more importantly today, to marrying that innovation to creating manufacturing jobs in the United States,” said Sridhar.

“This factory should give hundreds of new employees a chance to put their energy into manufacturing products that will power homes and businesses across the east coast.  It will combine the legacy of quality construction that marked the site for decades under Chrysler with a new legacy of research and innovation that will emerge from the University’s new Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus.  Some of the nation’s largest companies have turned to Bloom to serve their energy needs. We’re excited to see Bloom turning to Delaware to build those servers,” said Governor Jack Markell. “From our federal delegation, to the leadership of the Delaware General Assembly, to our institutions of higher education, and Delaware’s talented and creative workforce, we came together to make the case to Bloom that Delaware is one of the best places in the country to build a business and raise a family. ”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bloom Energy to UD’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus,” said University of Delaware President Patrick Harker. “From the beginning, we’ve envisioned this campus as a place where the most creative minds in academia and industry come together to solve the world’s most urgent problems. This vision is being actualized today. We look forward to engaging with Bloom in innovative research, academic and community partnerships — partnerships that benefit the state and its people and revolutionize America’s clean energy future.”

Delaware’s congressional delegation also welcomed the Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center.  “I am delighted that Bloom Energy will bring a facility to Delaware and help grow our manufacturing base in the United States,” said Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) “In addition to providing Delawareans with reliable, clean energy, Bloom Energy will provide much-needed jobs in manufacturing which will help lead us further out of this recession.  I’ve been working with Governor Markell to bring this innovative company here, and I’m proud that our hard work has paid off.  I want to congratulate the Governor and his economic development team, Gary Stockbridge at Delmarva Power and Pat Harker at the University of Delaware, for their leadership in creating this innovative partnership.”

“When we think about the threads that will keep America competitive in the global economy for the next generation, we think of innovation, entrepreneurship, clean energy and manufacturing – and all of those are coming together today here in Delaware,” said Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.). “In building its East Coast facility here in Newark, Bloom isn’t just investing in its own cutting-edge technology — Bloom is investing in Delaware’s communities, our families, and our future. This is a wonderful day for Delaware, and is a day made possible because of what Delaware brings to the table: a talented workforce, a welcoming business climate, and the tremendous leadership of folks like Governor Markell, Secretary O’Mara and DEDO Director Levin. I am proud to welcome Bloom Energy to Delaware today, and look forward to a long, fruitful relationship.”

“I’m excited that Bloom Energy is entering its next phase here in Delaware,” said U.S. Rep. John Carney (D-Del).  “We need to make things in America again.  Bloom Energy is a great example of using new energy technology to do that, while creating jobs for Delaware workers.  This new facility will not only strengthen Delaware’s economy, it will provide another source of clean energy that protects the environment.   With the former Chrysler site being transformed into a center for science, technology, and innovation, this is the kind of opportunity that many of us envisioned for our state.”

The Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center will become the anchor tenant of the new University of Delaware Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus.  Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2013, with manufacturing set to begin shortly afterwards.

About Bloom Energy

Bloom Energy is a provider of breakthrough solid oxide fuel cell technology generating clean, highly-efficient onsite power from multiple fuel sources. Founded in 2001 with a mission to make clean, reliable energy affordable for everyone in the world, Bloom Energy Servers are currently producing power for several Fortune 500 companies including Google, Wal-Mart, AT&T, eBay, Staples, The Coca-Cola Company, as well as notable non-profit organizations such as Caltech, and Kaiser Permanente. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA. For more information, visit www.Bloomenergy.com.

For individual interview requests please contact:

Office of the Governor
Catherine Rossi
catherine.rossi@delaware.gov
302.367.6222
governor.delaware.gov

University of Delaware
Meredith Chapman
mchapman@udel.edu
302.690.1316
udel.edu

Bloom Energy
Dan Zasloff
Dan.zasloff@bloomenergy.com
206.794.6815
bloomenergy.com

Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart and fellow members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) met in Washington, D.C. last week to confer with members of Congress about ongoing insurance-related efforts.

More than 36 state insurance regulators gathered for the NAIC Washington Forum where they were briefed by the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal S. Wolin. Representative Judy Biggert(R-IL), chairperson of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity, also presented to the NAIC members.

Commissioner Stewart met with staff from all three members of the Delaware Congressional delegation and spoke directly with U.S. Senator Tom Carper and U.S. Congressman John Carney. Topics discussed were:

• Dodd–Frank reform provisions such as the Federal Insurance Office and the Financial Services Oversight Council.
• The reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program.
• State implementation efforts for health care reform.
• Constituent outreach and education on Medicare and ElderInfo efforts.

“Delaware is fortunate to have Congressional delegation members that care about how the decisions they make in Washington are impacting what is happening in Delaware,” said Commissioner Stewart. “As Insurance Commissioner, it is my job to ensure that policymakers are aware, consumers are protected, and a competitive insurance market continues to exist in our state. Last week’s visit assists the Department of Insurance in serving Delawareans in all three areas.”

LEWES (April 28, 2012) – After a long journey by water and rail, a storied 16-inch gun barrel was unveiled today at the Battery 519 Museum at the Fort Miles Historical Area in Cape Henlopen State Park, where it will be stationed. The gun barrel, which weighs more than 116 tons and is 66 feet long, was salvaged from the USS Missouri, the battleship on whose deck the Japanese signed the surrender that ended World War II on Sept 2, 1945. The huge 16” gun could hurl 2,700 pound shells more than 23 miles in 50 seconds, with pinpoint accuracy in support of U.S. ground troops.
“We’re honored to have this historic gun here in Delaware,” said Governor Jack Markell. “It’s a great draw for Fort Miles tourism, which brings thousands of people to Delaware every year. This new artifact adds to our tourism arsenal and the economic boost that always accompanies it.”

“Delaware is honored to be the new home of this significant piece of American history,” said Senator Thomas Carper. “As a major operational center of our nation’s coastal defense during World War II, Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park is the perfect place to display this artifact from the U.S.S. Missouri – the ship that hosted Japan’s surrender. Moreover, this historical addition will draw even more families and tourists to the First State and our pristine beaches.”

“The preservation of history has always been important to the people of the First State; and by bringing this historic gun to Delaware, it’s not only being preserved, but it will also serve as a significant tourism draw,” Senator Chris Coons said. “I am pleased that the U.S. Systems Naval Command donated the barrel, and I look forward to being one of the many people from near and far to visit this piece of history.”

“I’m very excited that such an important piece of American history will now reside permanently at Fort Miles,” said Congressman John Carney. “This remnant from the USS Missouri will draw tourists to our beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park, and will be a constant reminder of the contributions that the men and women of America’s Greatest Generation made to our country.”

“With thousands of visitors to Fort Miles each year, having such an important and exciting artifact is only going to make Fort Miles and Cape Henlopen State Park a more attractive destination for Delawareans and visitors alike,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “It wouldn’t have happened without the hard work by the Fort Miles Historical Association, the Save the Missouri Gun Fundraising Committee, and the major and individual donors whose contributions brought the gun here. We thank them all for their dedication.”

At one time, two similar guns were installed at Fort Miles, which served as the Army’s coastal defense fortification. The guns were removed after the war, and were rumored to have been scrapped and turned into razor blades.
The gun on the U.S.S. Missouri was discovered in a naval yard in Norfolk, destined to become scrap as well, until the Fort Miles Historical Association (FMHA) requested it, launching a fundraising effort to move the gun to Delaware.
According to the FMHA, the total cost of getting the 16” barrel to Delaware was $113,500. The funds were raised through private donations and several key grants, including one from the G.M. Foundation and the Sussex County Council. The state Department of Economic Development’s Division of Tourism also contributed, as did almost 100 individuals.

The barrel was donated to DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation by the U.S. Naval Systems Command by way of a joint plan written by FMHA and Delaware State Parks.

“The Fort Miles Historical Association is extremely proud and honored to be able to partner with Delaware State Parks in bringing the Missouri barrel #371 to Cape Henlopen State Park,” said Dr. Gary Wray, president of the FMHA. “The barrel will become the centerpiece to our Fort Miles Museum which. when completed, will be the best World War II museum inside a WWII facility in the United States.”

All money was raised by FMHA and the Save the Missouri Gun Fundraising Committee, chaired by Lewes realtor Nick Carter, a 1970 Naval Academy graduate who served in the US Navy for two tours in Vietnam and was the founder of the Delaware chapter of the Naval Academy Alumni Association.

“Because of my family’s World War II military history here in Lewes, I was asked to chair the fundraising committee,” Carter said. “After the attack on Pearl Harbor, my grandfather was called to active duty from the Navy Reserves to command the Fort Miles Harbor entrance Control Post. My father was commissioned early and served onboard the Eagle Patrol Boat from Cape May during World War II.”

Carter continued: “I am very excited about the arrival of the Missouri’s Barrel #371, which symbolizes our local military history. This cannon is the stepping stone for the creation of the Fort Miles Military Museum and I look forward to being a part of that process too.”

It could be another year or two before the 16” gun barrel is displayed. It joins eight other guns currently located at Fort Miles.

Improvements at Fort Miles announced today included a geothermal system for the Battery 519 Museum. Two Delaware Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) – one to the City of Lewes and the other grant to Delaware State Parks – provided the funding for a three-zone, closed-loop ground source heat pump system with integrated de-humidification. This system replaces an antiquated and inefficient military system that once ran continuously to warm the underground bunker and prevented it from “raining” inside year round. The EECBG grants, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, were administered through DNREC’s Division of Energy and Climate.

Members of the Fort Miles Historical Association paid for the engineering design plan, and have provided in-kind volunteer service hours for the necessary electrical infrastructure improvement to prepare for the geothermal heat pumps’ installation. The FMHA has also been fundraising for the Battery 519 museum design, contracting with the Vernon Johnson Museum Design Associates to develop a conceptual plan for the Battery 519 Museum.

“The City of Lewes is pleased to be able to partner with such an outstanding organization as The Fort Miles Historical Association in order to assist in funding for improvements to the Battery 519 Museum,” said Jim Ford, Mayor of Lewes. “As a community rich in history, one that prides itself on historical preservation, Lewes values the addition of the U.S.S. Missouri gun barrel that will tell yet another story of our military heritage to thousands of visitors and locals alike. Our commendations to the FMHA and everyone involved in this highly successful and most unusual endeavor to bolster both tourism and historical preservation for the state of Delaware.”

Also noted at the event were two recent improvements made at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a new playground and six new cabins. The playground equipment and installation were funded by the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, and a new sidewalk – which makes the playground accessible to all – was made possible by funds secured by State Representative Pete Schwartzkopf.

The six new cabins will be available for Cape Henlopen State Park visitors around Memorial Day, and feature two bedrooms and screened front porches. The cabins replace five former tent camping sites. For low maintenance, the cabins were built with fiber-cement siding, asphalt shingle roofs, and fiberglass windows and doors. Showers and restroom facilities are provided in a nearby campground shower building.

“These improvements encourage Delawareans and visitors alike to get outside and enjoy all the activities that Cape Henlopen State Park and Fort Miles have to offer,” said DNREC Secretary O’Mara.

Attorney General’s Office to Sponsor 3 Sites in Free Statewide Initiative Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wilmington – Noting that in 2009 7 million Americans 12 years of age and older abused prescription drugs for non-medical reasons, Attorney General Beau Biden urged Delaware consumers to participate in tomorrow’s free statewide prescription drug take-back events where people can anonymously discard unused, unwanted, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications.

“One of the most common ways for abusers to obtain prescription drugs is by raiding the medicine cabinets and even the trash cans of friends and family members,” Attorney General Biden said. “But that also means that one of the simplest ways to fight abuse is to responsibly get rid of drugs that are no longer wanted or needed. The Prescription Drug Take-Back provides a quick and effective opportunity to make our homes and communities safer.”

Governor Markell and his Cabinet, the Attorney General’s office, state and local police agencies, and healthcare organizations have teamed up with the Drug Enforcement Administration to host 31 drop-off sites statewide tomorrow, April 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is sponsoring three drop-off sites tomorrow at the following locations:

New Castle County:

Shipley Manor

2723 Shipley Road, Wilmington

Kent County:

Heritage at Dover

1203 Walker Road, Dover

Sussex County:

Beebe Tunnell Cancer Center

18947 John Jay Williams Hwy, Rehoboth Beach

Information about all of Delaware’s 31 drop-off sites is available online at www.dea.gov (click on “Got Drugs”) or call 1-800-882-9539.  8,800 pounds of unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications were collected in Delaware during last year’s Prescription Drug Take-Back events.

Drop-off sites are located statewide, and the process is free and anonymous. Note:

·         Prescription and over-the-counter solid dosage medications (i.e. tablets and capsules) are accepted.

·         Consumers are encouraged to remove personal information from bottles and packages.

·         Intravenous solutions, injectables and needles will not be accepted.

·         Illicit substances such as marijuana and methamphetamine are not part of the program.

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States, second only to marijuana use as the most common form of drug abuse. Most prescription drugs used for non-medical purposes are obtained from friends, family members, or the home medicine cabinet. National Take-Back Day coordinates the effort to provide a safe and easy way to dispose of these medications, since throwing the substances away provides an easy source of drugs for those who would abuse or sell them, and flushing drugs can result in water contamination.

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DOVER – In his weekly message, the Governor talks about Bloom Energy coming to Delaware.  On Monday, Bloom will break ground on Bloom energy’s first East Coast manufacturing facility, to be constructed on the former site of the Chrysler plant in Newark, which is now part of the University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research campus.   Once completed, it will bring an estimated 1,500 manufacturing, supply chain and construction jobs to the region.

“This Monday marks a new chapter as Bloom leaders and some great Delawareans will come together on the University’s STAR campus to break ground on that Bloom Energy factory,” said the Governor.  “We’ll be joined by senior executives from some of Bloom’s new customers who’ll share their excitement at having servers made here in Delaware power their companies around the country.  While we still have several steps to take before that factory opens, Monday is an important next step to create hundreds of new, quality careers here, as we work together to keep Delaware, moving forward.”

At noon every Friday, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form.  The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/4Y5MJB8EbTM
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/information/podcast_video.shtml
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Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Bloom Energy: Helping to Power Delaware’s Future