Adaptive Energy receives Global Innovation Award

January 5, 2022 By Brian Richesson

Adaptive Energy, a designer and manufacturer of low-watt solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for backup and off-grid power, won a Global Innovation Award at the Global Technology Conference (GTC) during the World LPG Association’s LPG Week in Dubai. The Michigan-based company was selected as runner-up for Most Innovative Propane-Powered Technology.

“Our goal is to increase the reliability of critical low-watt infrastructure while reducing its carbon impact,” says Adaptive Energy CEO Michael Edison, whose presentation during LPG Week highlighted how SOFCs enable greater use of alternative energy for critical infrastructure.

“Remote sites often lack reliable access to grid power, so alternative energy sources like wind and solar are vital. But when harsh weather interrupts power production, this critical infrastructure can fail,” he adds. “That’s where our propane fuel cells come into play.”

Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, called the award “the highest honor our industry can bestow on a technology partner.”

During his presentation at LPG Week, Edison shared three key alternative energy use cases for SOFCs:

Uninterruptible power for critical transportation infrastructure, such as railway crossings, signals and switches.
Hybrid off-grid power, including solar, wind or other renewables, for remote applications like back-country radio networks or aviation and weather-monitoring equipment.
Reliable uptimes for solar-powered trailers that provide mobile surveillance, environmental monitoring, communications and other critical functions.

In February 2021, the technology kept railroads in Texas safe by powering crossings and switches despite power outages caused by a winter storm.

Adaptive Energy has longstanding relationships with U.S. federal agencies, major Class I railways via partner RedHawk Energy Systems LLC and other commercial customers where consistent uptimes are critical.

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