PCC goes hi-tech with new fuel cells

By KATU.com Staff Published: Sep 30, 2011 at 12:57 PM PDT
PCC goes hi-tech with new fuel cells
PCC District President Preston Pulliams (center) laughs with Russell Ford of ClearEdge (to his right) and Sen. Jeff Merkley (to his left). The fuel cells can be seen on the far left. Photo courtesy of Portland Community College.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Community College is leading the pack by using new, state-of-the-art fuel cells to power one of their buildings.

The fuel cells were just unveiled this week and several dignitaries were on hand for the big event, including U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and U.S. Rep Kurt Schrader.

"Portland Community College is setting an example for colleges across the nation," Rep. Schrader said. "(The college) has an incredibly impressive alternative energy curriculum and the way it leverages alternative energy sources is also highly commendable."

The fuel cells, which convert natural gas into electricity and heat, were made by Hillsboro-based ClearEdge Power. According to ClearEdge, their fuel cells are 10 times more productive than solar power.They will be used to power Sylvania's Health Technology Building and to heat the swimming pool that's inside.

"This project is very exciting," Preston Pulliams, district president of PCC, said in a news release. "It allows us to gain significant environmental benefits and create a living laboratory for students."

Sylvania is PCC's oldest campus and the fuel cell project is part of a retrofit effort to make the campus more sustainable.

"With projects like this, Oregon is establishing the infrastructure to transform our economy and establish opportunities for future generations," Sen. Merkley said.

Press Conference Video Courtesy of PCC Public Affairs