Colleges across the country are striving to meet sustainability goals while controlling costs and maintaining reliable operations. But as energy demand rises and power outages increase, institutions of higher education are increasingly in need of innovative solutions. That’s where Bloom Energy comes in.
With its solid oxide fuel cell technology, Bloom Energy is transforming how schools power their campuses. Bloom’s energy servers generate electricity onsite using an eco-friendly electrochemical process. These servers operate without combustion, making them a cleaner, more reliable, and cost-stable alternative to the traditional grid. For educational leaders focused on resilience, sustainability, and long-term savings, Bloom delivers a smart solution.
Clean Energy for a Smarter Campus
Higher education is at a crossroads. Campuses are complex ecosystems, with demanding energy needs and diverse facilities—from research labs to student housing. At the same time, many institutions are pledging to reduce their environmental impact, while still grappling with budget constraints and aging infrastructure.
Bloom’s technology checks every box. Unlike conventional power generation, Bloom’s fuel cells create electricity without burning fuel. Instead, they use an electrochemical reaction to convert natural gas, biogas, or hydrogen into electricity, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and virtually eliminating harmful air pollutants.
Schools can also take advantage of hydrogen-ready fuel cells to advance their decarbonization strategies. When powered by green hydrogen, Bloom’s energy servers produce zero carbon emissions—only water and heat as byproducts. This provides a clear path toward net-zero goals without compromising on performance or reliability.
Caltech’s Clean Energy Leadership
One of the most compelling examples of Bloom’s impact on education is the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). With a mission centered on research and education, Caltech needed an energy solution that was not only sustainable, but also dependable and cost-effective.
Through a power purchase agreement (PPA), Caltech installed 3 megawatts of Bloom energy servers on its Pasadena campus. The system runs 24/7, integrates seamlessly with the university’s 1.3 megawatts of solar energy, and delivers reliable power below the cost of the local grid. For Caltech, this investment has meant more than just lower emissions—it has provided the ability to predict future energy costs and enhanced resilience during California’s extreme weather events.
“We’re significantly reducing our water consumption on the energy side by deploying those technologies,” said Caltech’s director of sustainability programs, John Onderdonk. “The more uptime we can have, the more reliance and resiliency in our power system, the better we’re going to be.”
Resilience When It Matters Most
Energy reliability is critical for schools, especially as power outages across the U.S. have increased by 60% in the last decade. Bloom’s fuel cells are immune to many of the disruptions that affect the traditional grid. They’re fueled through the underground pipeline system and can operate independently, ensuring that critical operations continue even when the grid goes down.
In moments of crisis—whether due to wildfires, hurricanes, or heat waves—colleges powered by Bloom can keep students safe, research running, and classrooms open.
Smarter Spending, Greater Control
Tight budgets are a reality in higher education. Bloom offers a way to gain control over energy spending. By generating power onsite and offering predictable pricing through PPAs and flexible financing options, Bloom helps institutions avoid costly price spikes and budget uncertainty.
The benefits go beyond direct savings. Avoiding outages, lowering emissions, and creating a greener future all support schools’ long-term mission—while attracting students who care deeply about sustainability. In fact, 45% of students say a college’s environmental commitment influences their decision to enroll.
Building the Future One Campus at a Time
Energy efficiency and environmental stewardship are no longer optional—they’re essential. With Bloom Energy’s innovative, combustion-free power solutions, schools can lead the way to a cleaner, more resilient future.
Whether it’s a small liberal arts college or a leading research university, Bloom is empowering schools to meet today’s energy challenges head-on, while building a stronger foundation for the future.
