FuelCell Energy, Inc. Announces Commercial Operation of a Megawatt-Class Combined Heat and Power Fuel Cell Plant
January 10, 2017 at 07:00 pm IST
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FuelCell Energy, Inc. announced the commercial operation of a megawatt-class combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell plant located at Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County, California. The fuel cell plant generates continuous on-site power and heat for the correctional facility, enhancing power reliability for critical infrastructure while simultaneously advancing its sustainability goals through the ultra-clean fuel cell generation process. Under a power purchase agreement (PPA), Alameda County pays for the power as it is produced at a cost lower than electric grid prices; achieving cost savings without any capital outlay. FuelCell Energy retains the PPA and long-term project cash flows through a direct subsidiary with financing provided by PNC Energy Capital. The fuel cell power plant operates in tandem with Santa Rita Jail’s existing solar array, demonstrating the complimentary features of combining energy sources at the same location to reduce exposure to peak pricing. The power generated by the fuel cell plant meets approximately 60% of Santa Rita Jail’s total power needs and the CHP configuration provides heat for hot water. Total thermal efficiency for this installation is approximately 68%. Generating both power and heat from the same unit of fuel reduces emissions and fuel usage from combustion-based boilers; decreasing the County’s carbon footprint while enhancing the sustainability profile of Santa Rita Jail.
FuelCell Energy, Inc. is engaged in delivering environmentally responsible distributed baseload energy platform solutions through its fuel cell technology. The Company is a global manufacturer of stationary fuel cell and electrolysis platforms that decarbonize power and produce hydrogen. Its commercial technology produces electricity, heat, hydrogen, and water while separating carbon for utilization and/or sequestration. Its product portfolio is based on two electrochemical platforms, carbonate, and solid oxide. Both platforms can support power generation and combined heat and power applications using a variety of fuels, including natural gas, renewable biogas, and hydrogen. Its Carbonate platforms use a mixture of reforming and electrolysis, while solid oxide platforms can be used for pure hydrogen electrolysis. Its solid oxide platform operates on pure hydrogen fuel. Its commercial platforms include SureSource 1500, SureSource 3000, SureSource 4000 and SureSource Hydrogen.
FUELCELL ENERGY, INC. 
