Parent company John Lewis Partnership has signed a commercial memorandum of understanding with AFC Energy, a world leading developer of low cost alkaline fuel cells.
Following successful evaluation, the retail group’s intention is to order and demonstrate AFC Energy's fuel cell system as part of an integrated low carbon energy generation at a Waitrose store.
John Lewis Partnership’s carbon reduction commitment is supported by a range of initiatives and targets covering operational emissions from energy, refrigeration and cooling, transport, waste and water. The strategy and focus is to improve the efficiency of all operations by rolling out suitable and efficient technology across all branches. The inclusion of fuel cell technology will allow further renewable options to the John Lewis Partnership in support of their biomass roll out for energy self-generation, the companies said.
John Lewis Partnership has identified a potential 200,000t reduction in carbon emissions by taking 150 stores off the electricity grid to generate their own electrical and thermal energy.
AFC Energy deputy chairman Ian Balchin said: “AFC Energy and the John Lewis Partnership have the opportunity to demonstrate a revolutionary solution to distributed low carbon energy. Together we will be able to translate growing demand for low carbon solutions into real-terms cost reduction. I look forward to the prospect of progressing our mutual commitment beyond the MoU."
John Lewis Partnership engineering manager Toby Marlow added: "The John Lewis Partnership has identified the potential of AFC Energy as a key partner in our efforts to reduce emissions as we continue to expand. Their alkaline fuel cell gives us the opportunity to make clean electricity on site: it is a revolutionary prospect with exciting potential. This first demonstration could be the beginning of a mutually beneficial long-term relationship."
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