Bloom boxes likely to power Apple data centers by methane from landfills

Seems like years of patience has worked for Bloom energy. Apple recently confirmed that it would run its data centers on Bloom boxes installing 24 such boxes with each one having a 20KW capacity. Its data center in Maiden, North Carolina itself is going to employ 5MW fuel cells that would be powered by methane obtained from landfills. The information comes from company's filing with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The bio-gas will be transported to the site using a natural gas pipeline, while measures will be taken to increase its methane content and remove its toxic components.

Bloom boxes likely to power Apple data centers by methane from landfills

It's a good news for environmentalists that blue chip companies are now resorting to cleaner sources of energy. This would set a trend and other companies are too expected to jump the bandwagon. According to news, Microsoft too is looking to power its data centers by bio-gas obtained from water treatment plants and landfills. Bio-gas emits lesser greenhouse gases and toxic materials to environment. Meanwhile, Bloom Energy is now betting big on its Bloom Boxes with clients such as AT&T and NTT. They want their energy servers to be primary source of power rather than a backup service. The company is currently working on its manufacturing center after which it intends to double its energy production.

Via: Gigaom