From Mayor Bill Finch:
City, state and federal officials joined Mayor Bill Finch in announcing a deal to develop the largest fuel cell project in North America in Bridgeport.
FuelCell Energy of Danbury, CT., and Virginia-based Dominion Energy together with the City of Bridgeport will develop the 14.9-megawatt facility on land in the West End. The project is part of a state program to add 150 megawatts of renewable and clean energy, supporting the states renewable power generation goals.
“This is a terrific example of urban redevelopment, providing a new source of tax revenue to the City of Bridgeport from a power production facility that quietly generates virtually pollution-free electricity with a low carbon footprint,” said Mayor Finch. “This fuel cell park will be another successful piece in our expanding Eco-Industrial Park, part of our BGreen2020 plan to protect our environment and green our City.”
FuelCell Energy, Inc., a global leader in the design, manufacture, operation and service of ultra-clean, efficient and reliable fuel cell power plants, will provide the turnkey distributed power generation for the project. Connecticut Light & Power will buy the ultra-clean electricity produced by the fuel cell park under a 15-year energy purchase agreement. Dominion FuelCell Park LLC, owned by Dominion, is the project owner and will purchase the five 2.8 megawatt DFC3000 fuel cell power plants.
Sen-elect Chris Murphy was in attendance at Friday’s event, as well as State Reps. Charles ‘Don’ Clemons and Jack Hennessy, City Council President Thomas McCarthy and Councilwoman Lydia Martinez, and Mark Henson, district director for Cong. Jim Himes. Chip Bottone, President and Chief Executive Officer of FuelCell Energy Inc., and James E. Eck, Vice President, Generation Business Development, spoke on behalf of their respective companies, as well as Bryan Garcia, president of the Connecticut Energy and Finance Investment Authority.
“The production of cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy is the guiding principle behind our comprehensive energy strategy,” said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “Fuel cells and micro-grids like the ones being announced today are an essential part of achieving that goal. The more we can reach agreements like this, the lower rates will be for residents and businesses, and the more competitive our state will be. I want to congratulate everyone involved, especially the Clean Energy and Finance Investment Authority, for seeing this project to fruition.”
“Congratulations to Mayor Finch and everyone on his team for bringing this amazing partnership to fruition; this will be a model project that can be replicated across the state and the country, and will help create jobs,” said Sen.-elect Chris Murphy. “By getting out ahead of the curve with this project, we put ourselves in a better place to take advantage of the changing national energy policy in the next five years.”
“This is a breakthrough event for clean energy and Bridgeport, advancing the cause of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. It reflects Mayor Finch’s leadership and dedication in clean energy development,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
The fuel cell park is expected to be up and running by December 2013.
If you want to understand today’s fuel cell project, it’s helpful to know a little history. Dominion Resources was established by The Virginia General Assembly in 1787–that’s a year that predates the invention of electricity! They understand power. That’s why they’re seemingly the only investor. Here’s the best part: Bridgeport gets it first.
It’s like owning a blog before the invention of the internet.
It’s like owning water before the invention of thirst.
Bridgeport has experienced partners for this project. Electricity is a vital part of building a growing community. Don’t be surprised if it’s not a linchpin attracting new development to the area.
um, uh, er …
not.Being the first city in North America with a fuel cell project is just the one reason why 2013 will be a good year for Bridgeport CT USA.