IKEA has announced plans to build its first biogas-powered fuel cell system at its New Haven, Connecticut store. The project follows the success of two biogas systems installed in two San Francisco-area stores. IKEA has also announced plans for similar projects at four additional California stores. IKEA anticipates the New Haven fuel cell system will be commissioned and operational by this fall. Once complete, the company’s fuel cell portfolio will be more than 1.5 MW.

IKEA’s fuel cell system installed at its retail location in Emeryville, CA. (Photo: Business Wire)

“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with fuel cells at IKEA New Haven,” said Christof Stein, store manager. “Similar to our rooftop solar array, this fuel cell system will greatly reduce our carbon footprint and the store’s reliance on the power grid as well as contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.”

Slightly larger than the physical size of a commercial back-up generator, the 250-kw, biogas-powered project will produce approximately 2.08 million kWh of electricity each year for the store. Combined with the 940.8-kW solar array installed atop the store in 2012, the fuel cell project will help generate a majority of the store’s energy onsite.

For the design, development and installation of this fuel cell system, IKEA contracted with Sunnyvale-based Bloom Energy a provider of breakthrough solid oxide fuel cell technology generating clean, highly-efficient on-site power. This investment in fuel cell technology reflects the company’s goal to be energy independent by 2020.