Dominion-Bridgeport Fuel Cell Power Station
The fact that we consistently rank among the top fuel cell states demonstrates that our work to deliver cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy sources for Connecticut residents and businesses is paying off.
Hartford, Conn. (PRWEB) December 17, 2014
Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced Connecticut has once again been recognized as a fuel cell leader, ranking as one of the top five states by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in its recent report State of the States: Fuel Cells in America 2014.
“The U.S. fuel cell industry employs thousands of residents and generates millions of dollars in economic activity and tax revenue. That is why we have implemented the policies necessary to drive the use of fuel cells and ensure there is no better place for the renewable energy sector to continue to grow and create jobs than right here in Connecticut,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “The fact that we consistently rank among the top fuel cell states demonstrates that our work to deliver cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy sources for Connecticut residents and businesses is paying off.”
The report showcases Connecticut as one of the successful Top 5 Fuel Cell States, along with California, New York, Ohio and South Carolina.
Partially funded by the DOE Fuel Cell Technologies Office and produced by Breakthrough Technologies Institute, State of the States provides in-depth profiles of fuel cell and hydrogen policies, initiatives and installations across the country.
The report features efforts by Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT), Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition (CHFCC) and the Northeast region to improve power grid resiliency as well as multi-state fuel cell efforts. CCAT and CHFCC, which is administered by CCAT, actively work with government, industry and other stakeholders to successfully promote fuel cells for stationary and transport applications within the state.
“It is because of the strong commitment and support of the Governor, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and the state legislature that fuel cell use is widely recognized as a critical part of the state’s energy plans,” stated Elliot Ginsberg, CCAT president and CEO.
The Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition was recently awarded $166,250 from DECD to continue its leadership role in energy planning.
“Funding from DECD continues to put Connecticut in the forefront of fuel cell usage and makes the collaborative work of the coalition possible,” said Joel Rinebold, CCAT energy director.
According to the State of the States report, major fuel cell advances are taking place in Connecticut. Bridgeport is home to the largest U.S. fuel cell power station (14.9 megawatts), which was installed by global leader FuelCell Energy, headquartered in Danbury, and is operated by energy producer and transporter, Dominion. Output of the station is being sold to Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) under a 15-year agreement. United Illuminating Company is installing 5.6 megawatts of fuel cells at two sites (Bridgeport and New Haven) to deliver power to the electric grid.
In October 2014, FuelCell Energy announced multi-year plans to more than double the size of its Torrington manufacturing facility to 155,000 square feet. Expansion plans for Doosan Fuel Cell America in South Windsor are to add 150 employees within the next year.
At the state level, policy and legislative actions continue to bolster fuel cell efforts. Governor Malloy has joined governors from seven other states in signing a zero emissions vehicle memorandum of understanding and released a plan to put 3.3 million battery electric, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles onto their local roadways by 2025. The state’s Microgrid Pilot Program has committed more than $2.2 million for a fuel cell project to strengthen power resilience in Bridgeport.
In addition, through Connecticut’s Green Bank, the state provides low-cost financing and incentives to support renewable energy and energy efficiency efforts.
The hydrogen and fuel cell industry is powering economic and job growth not only in Connecticut but across the Northeast region. Nearly 600 Connecticut companies are part of the more than 1,170 industry businesses in New England, New York and New Jersey. Based on a 2012 Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster (NEESC) study, the Connecticut companies are estimated to have generated close to $600 million in revenue and investment annually – half of the $1.2 billion Northeast region total. NEESC is administered by CCAT and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
ABOUT CCAT
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc., a nonprofit economic development organization headquartered in East Hartford, Conn., is a leader and go-to resource for strengthening competitiveness and high-tech business development in the state, region and nation. CCAT focuses on three core areas: technology, efficiencies and workforce development, with expertise in manufacturing technology, IT, education and workforce strategies, and energy solutions. Through the synergy of its experienced teams, advanced technologies and extensive partnerships, CCAT provides manufacturers, educators, government, nonprofits and entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to tackle economic challenges, compete and succeed.
ABOUT CHFCC
Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition, administered by CCAT, is comprised of representatives from Connecticut’s fuel cell and hydrogen industry, labor, academia, government, and other stakeholders. The coalition works to enhance economic growth in Connecticut through the development, manufacture, and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies and associated fueling systems.
ABOUT NEESC
Northeast Electrochemical Energy Storage Cluster is a federally recognized cluster supported by the United States Small Business Administration. The cluster, administered by CCAT, assists the hydrogen and fuel cell industry in the eight-state Northeast region with education, outreach, and technical support. The goal of the cluster is to drive economic development, innovation, and job creation in the nation’s increasingly important clean energy sector.