CBS Studios are going green by installing six PureCell stationary fuel cell systems at two of their production locations in California. The fuel cell systems are produced by UTC Power and they will be installed at CBS Studio Center (a production facility with 18 sound stages) and CBS Television City (which houses eight studios). The PureCell systems at Studio Center and Television City will together produce a total of 2.4 MW of power, therefore satisfying 40% and 60% of the studios’ electricity requirements.
By installing the PureCell systems, CBS is making an effort to reduce its energy costs through superior efficiency, security and reduced emissions. Thermal energy from the systems will also be utilized to provide cooling for both studios. These locations play host to such shows as Entertainment Tonight, The Price is Right, CSI: NY, NCIS, American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.
Additionally, four of the PureCell systems will be configured to operate independently of the electric grid. In the case of an emergency, such as blackouts, natural disasters and man-made emergencies, they will provide critical backup power.
“Fuel cells are a great fit for our business and sustainability goals,” said Michael Klausman, President, CBS Studio Center & Senior VP Operations, CBS Television City in a statement. “With the installation of these PureCell systems, we will substantially increase our energy security by being able to continue operations in the event of a grid outage and, equally important, the installation is projected to reduce our impact on the environment and provide significant energy cost savings for our business.”
Overall, the PureCell systems will stop CBS Studios from releasing more than 2,370 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually – which is the equivalent of planting nearly 550 acres of trees. They will also save the studios more than 2.8 million gallons of water annually – which could fill 4 ½ Olympic swimming pools. Here’s hoping that other TV studios in Hollywood will follow suite!
+ UTC Power
Lead image: Sarah_Ackerman
