The CLEARgen fuel cell system will utilize hydrogen produced by steam-reformation of renewable bio-gas generated at a landfill.

Powered by Ballard’s proton exchange membrane fuel cells, deployment of the CLEARgen system will enable Toyota to satisfy peak and mid-peak power needs using electricity from either the fuel cell system or from the power grid.

CLEARgen system will be used to provide power Toyota and Lexus headquarter buildings, data center operations building and employee fitness center.

It is estimated that the system will facilitate reduced consumption of peak grid power and avoidance of up to 10,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, the company said.

California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program is providing the funding for the fuel cell project, and the fuel cell system is expected to be commissioned in 2012.

A stationary fuel cell power generation platform currently under development at Ballard and financially supported by Sustainable Development Technology Canada will be used in the TMS campus system.

TMS Facilities operations manager Mark Yamauchi said the ability to offset peak electricity usage with an emission-free fuel cell system will create significant savings, while reducing our environmental footprint.