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

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
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
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Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Bloom Energy: Helping to Power Delaware’s Future

GREENWOOD, Del.- Delaware Electric Cooperative will soon break ground on a four megawatt solar park in Sussex County, Delaware. Twenty acres of solar panels will be installed near Georgetown, capable of producing enough energy to power 500 homes. The park could eventually be expanded to 40 acres with the ability to produce eight megawatts of power.

The solar park is being developed by SunEdison and will help DEC meet the state’s renewable energy portfolio standards, which require utilities to generate or purchase 25 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2025. The power generated by the facility will offset energy purchases from the wholesale market.

The construction of the solar project is expected to cost approximately $14 million and could be completed by early 2013. The project is not expected to have an immediate impact on member rates.

According to Bill Andrew, President and CEO of DEC, “We are dedicated to providing the highest value to our members while building the park at the lowest possible cost. The park will feed power directly to the Co-op’s electric distribution system.”

The Co-op is also proud to announce that Delaware labor and products manufactured in the First State will be used to build the solar park. The solar panels will be purchased from Motech Americas in Newark, Delaware and the construction of the facility will create 40 temporary jobs.

“We are pleased that DEC is supporting the renewable energy economy right here in Delaware by providing its members locally produced, renewable energy from a source that has been producing solar modules right here in Delaware for the last 20 years,” stated Derick Botha, Vice President of Motech Americas. “DEC is fostering green jobs in Delaware and giving back to the community by supporting the local economy and we are proud to be the provider of choice.”

“Delaware Electric Cooperative is committed to using Delaware workers and solar panels made in the state. This park will provide a much needed economic boost to Delaware,” said Andrew.

Governor Jack Markell has thrown his support behind the project, which promises to offer environmentally friendly energy to southern Delaware.

“The new solar park makes a smart investment in the community,” said Governor Jack Markell. “It puts people to work building and installing clean energy technology which provides jobs, benefits the environment and helps to grow the clean technology industry.”

Groundbreaking for the project is expected to be held this spring.

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility serving 84,000 member-owners in Kent and Sussex County, Delaware. For more information visit us on the web at www.delaware.coop or www.beatthepeak.coop or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

NEWPORT – Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and Mayor Michael Spencer unveiled energy efficiency improvements in Newport at a dedication ceremony held today at the town’s Municipal Building. They were joined by representatives of Delaware’s Congressional Delegation of Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney, and local contracting and construction companies that installed more than $107,000 in energy efficiency improvements at the town’s Municipal Building and Old Town Hall.

“Newport set out with this project to put Delawareans to work making their government more energy efficient and cost-effective. This event celebrates that successful effort,” Governor Markell said.

The improvements were funded by Delaware’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program made possible with federal stimulus funding (ARRA – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) through the U.S. Department of Energy. Under the program, grants were awarded to municipalities to reduce fossil fuel energy use and lower emissions by generating a portion of their own energy needs with renewable energy sources. Delaware’s EECBG Program is administered through DNREC’s Division of Energy and Climate.

“I congratulate the town of Newport for making these energy improvements that will reduce its energy consumption and help its bottom line,” said Senator Carper. “The implementation of these grant awards to improve energy use in our towns will ultimately help our nation reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make less of an impact on our environment.”

“Energy efficiency has enormous potential to change our future — our economic competitiveness, our environmental footprint, our technology, and the world that our children and grandchildren will inherit from us,” Senator Coons said. “I congratulate Newport on the completion of these energy-efficiency improvements, and hope that other municipalities around the state will follow suit. Energy efficiency projects in our communities add up to a much cleaner environment, substantial energy savings, and job creation. That’s the kind of positive formula we need if we intend to make this planet a better place to live for future generations.”

“Investments in green, renewable energy help create jobs, strengthen the economy, and protect our environment for future generations,” said Congressman Carney. “I commend the Town of Newport for recognizing this opportunity to put Delawareans to work and reduce its energy costs while maintaining the same quality services that town businesses and residents have come to expect. These are the kind of innovative ideas that will improve our economy and ensure that we leave a better world for our children and grandchildren.”

The town of Newport was awarded a total of $107,000 in EECBG grant funds. The town made energy efficiency improvements at their Old Town Hall that included new interior storm windows, insulation and a HVAC system and installed a 6 kilowatt, grid-tied solar power system at the Municipal Building that will produce 20 percent of the building’s total energy usage.

According to DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara, Newport’s energy efficiency improvements provide significant benefits for the community and the state. “Newport’s energy efficiency improvements will reduce the town’s energy usage by 25 percent, saving the town an estimated $2,000 in energy costs annually and improving Newport’s bottom line, both short and long term,” said Secretary O’Mara. “The Municipal Building’s solar power system provides clean, reliable energy – reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and protecting public health.”

“Conserving energy and reducing the costs of heating and cooling our municipal buildings are a win-win for the residents and businesses of Newport,” said Mayor Michael Spencer. “These energy efficiency projects are a great investment that will not only improve the environment, but will help our town with our budget.”

Newport is one of 41 Delaware municipalities statewide that shared $5.46 million in federal EECBG grant funding. Municipalities received grants ranging from $10,000 to $500,000 to make municipal improvements or energy efficiency rebate programs for residents.

WILMINGTON – Governor Jack Markell and DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara joined a group of Delaware solar companies and volunteer firefighters this morning to cut the ribbon for a new 50 kilowatt solar power system on the Belvedere Fire Company’s Fire Hall in Wilmington. Built from Delaware-manufactured components by Delaware contractors, the system will save the fire company an estimated one-third of its electric utility costs – approximately $400,000 over the life of the system.

“Belvedere’s volunteer firefighters risk their lives to protect their neighbors. They put all of their energy into their service.” Gov. Markell said. “Local business, government and the community came together to give back, putting solar panels up to help power this fire hall and the work these volunteers do.”

Belvedere’s new solar power system, which was completed in December, will provide 65,000 kilowatts of clean electric power annually – an amount that will off-set 44.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions – equivalent to emissions from the annual electric usage of nearly six homes or the annual greenhouse gas emissions of nearly nine passenger vehicles.

“Adding solar power is a great way for a community organization to save on energy costs while reducing pollutants entering and damaging our environment,” said Secretary O’Mara. “This solar power system will be providing clean, renewable, sustainable power to the Belvedere Fire Company at minimal cost and with little maintenance for years to come.”

The idea of solar power for the Belvedere Fire Hall was initially suggested last year by several fire company members who are also employees of Cermet Materials in Wilmington, which manufactures products used in solar panel production. Cermet owners Charlie Falletta and Pansy Tong agreed to help finance the project.

“We are committed to the solar industry, and to supporting the use and growth of solar as a clean, renewable power source,” said Falletta. “This project also allowed us to help out a volunteer group that provides a vital public service to the residents of Wilmington.”

Cermet Materials brought KW Solar Solutions of Newark on board as project manager and installer. Project materials were purchased through United Electric, a Delaware-based electrical supply company in New Castle. The 208 40-watt solar panels that comprise the system were manufactured in Newark by Motech Delaware. Final electrical work was completed by Delaware commercial and residential electrical contractor Nickle Electric Companies of Newark.

Additional funding for the Belvedere Fire Company project came from the Delaware Green Energy Program, administered by the DNREC Division of Energy and Climate. The DGEP provided a grant of $68,400 towards the estimated $273,951 in total project costs.

The Green Energy Program helps Delaware homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations meet their energy needs in a more sustainable way through the installation of renewable energy systems, including solar, geothermal and wind. Since 1999, the Green Energy Program has supported more than 1,000 renewable energy projects in Delaware.