UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp.company, today announced that CBS Studios will install six PureCell® stationary fuel cell systems at two production locations in California.
Three units will be installed at , a production facility with 18 sound stages and office space in Studio City, Calif. Three others will be installed at CBS Television City in Los Angeles, Calif., housing eight sound stages and office space. The studios, which are used by CBS and other media outlets, produce many of today's top shows, including Entertainment Tonight, The Price is Right, CSI: NY, NCIS, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars.
The PureCell systems to be installed at CBS are a proven solution to today's energy challenges, and will provide the studios with lower energy costs through superior efficiency, security and reduced emissions. In fact, the PureCell systems at Studio Center and Television City will produce a total of 2.4 MW of power, satisfying 40 percent and 60 percent of the studios' electricity requirements, respectively. Thermal energy from the systems will be utilized to provide cooling for both studios and will also be used for space heating and domestic hot water at Television City. Additionally, four of the PureCell systems will be configured to operate independently of the electric grid. This important feature will provide energy security for the studios, serving as critical power backups during blackouts, natural disasters and man-made emergencies.
"Fuel cells are a great fit for our business and sustainability goals," said Michael Klausman, President, CBS Studio Center & Senior VP Operations, CBS Television City. "With the installation of these PureCell systems, we will substantially increase our energy security by being able to continue operations in the event of a grid outage and, equally important, the installation is projected to reduce our impact on the environment and provide significant energy cost savings for our business."
In total, the PureCell systems will prevent the release of more than 2,370 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually - the equivalent of planting nearly 550 acres of trees. The reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions, when compared to a conventional power plant, are equal to the environmental benefits of removing more than 357 cars from the road. In addition to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, these PureCell systems, which operate in water balance, will enable CBS to save more than 2.8 million gallons of water annually, enough to fill 4 1/2 Olympic swimming pools. With the installation of these clean fuel cell systems, CBS builds upon their legacy of strong environmental stewardship by significantly increasing their contribution to a greener, more sustainable community.
"We are thrilled to provide fuel cells for CBS, a world-renowned company with a long and proud history," said Joe Triompo, Vice President and General Manager at UTC Power. "Our efficient PureCell systems are a great fit for these busy studios and will help CBS to lower their energy costs, increase their energy security and reduce their environmental emissions by producing clean, reliable power on-site."
This project is supported by funding from California's Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). The units are scheduled to be delivered later this year.
The PureCell system is a combined heat and power system that represents a game-changing technology. Compared to typical central generation and other fuel cell offerings, the PureCell system offers customers lower energy costs, reduced emissions, an industry-leading 90 percent system efficiency and an industry-best 10-year cell stack life.
About UTC Power
UTC Power is part of United Technologies Corp. (UTC), which provides energy-efficient products and services to the aerospace and building industries. Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications. UTC Power has designed, manufactured, and installed more than 300 stationary fuel cells in 19 countries on six continents. For more information, please visit www.utcpower.com
