Following successful evaluation, the John Lewis Partnership intends to order and demonstrate AFC Energy’s fuel cell system as part of an integrated low-carbon energy generation project at a Waitrose store.

The John Lewis Partnership has pledged to deliver an absolute reduction of 15% in its carbon emissions by the end of its 2020/21 trading year, while doubling revenue. This commitment is supported by a range of initiatives and targets covering operational emissions from energy, refrigeration and cooling, transport, waste, and water.

The inclusion of fuel cell technology will offer further renewable options to the John Lewis Partnership in support of its rollout of biomass for energy self-generation.

‘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,’ says Toby Marlow, Engineering Manager for the John Lewis Partnership.

Marlow continues: ‘Their alkaline fuel cell gives us the opportunity to make clean electricity onsite: it is a revolutionary prospect with exciting potential.’

AFC Energy’s low-cost alkaline fuel cell has the capability to significantly reduce carbon emissions for commercial buildings. The company says that an integrated system powered from biomethane with carbon capture and storage (CCS) offers the ultimate prospect of ‘carbon-negative’ energy generation.