Dow and GM begin fuel cell operation in Texas

Pipeline & Gas Journal, March, 2004

The Dow Chemical Company and General Motors Corp. have begun Phase I installation operations of a single fuel cell in Freeport, TX that will convert hydrogen into electricity. Dow and GM intend to prove the viability of hydrogen fuel cells for a large industrial power system. Operation of the first cell will last four to six mouths with more fuel cells and electrical generating capacity added during the summer months.

The initial GM fuel cell will generate 75 kilowatts of power, which is enough electricity for 50 average homes. The ultimate plan is to install up to 400 fuel cells to generate 35 megawatts of electricity. That would be enough power for 25,000 average-sized American homes. This represents 2% of the total Dow needs at its Texas operations site.