Fuel cell will be providing the majority of energy needs for Connecticut Science Center. This science center, located in downtown Hartford, becomes the first science center in the country to adopt the fuel cell clean energy strategy.
Almost 100% of energy needed for the Connecticut Science Center will be met by fuel cell annually. The 200kW fuel cell will deliver about two-thirds of the energy requirement of the science center during operating hours. The fuel cell will transfer energy back into the grid when the power demand is less for the science center. In addition, the fuel cell will also be used for providing back-up power.
An ardent supporter of fuel cell technologies, Congressman John B. Larson, participated in this important commissioning ceremony along with Lise Dondy, President of Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, and others. The fuel cell was manufactured by UTC Power and it took two months for installing the system.
Congressman John B. Larson praised Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, UTC Power, Connecticut Science Center, and all partners for this commendable feat. He said that this proven fuel cell technology is essential for nation’s effort to reduce the dependency on foreign oil. He added that fuel cell technology is a good investment that will benefit the region environmentally as well as economically.
John B. Larson had taken many initiatives during his last tenure for the promotion of fuel cell technologies, such as securing federal funding for Fuel Cell Hybrid bus, introducing Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Authorization Act, and Energy Independence Act.
Apart from meeting the U.S emission standards, fuel cells are cleaner and environmentally friendly source of energy. An electrochemical process in the fuel cells combines oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity, water, and heat.
J. Michael McQuade, UTC Senior Vice President, Science and Technology, said that fuel cell technology at Connecticut Science Center provides an opportunity to showcase clean energy technology to public and visiting students. He further added that United Technologies was proud to be a part of this initiative.
By implementing this clean power technology, Connecticut Science Center has helped the New England power grid to reduce more than 270 metric tons of carbon di oxide from being released into the environment annually. The environment benefit derived is equal to planting 63 acres of forest.
Implementing fuel cell technology is one among many clean energy initiatives undertaken by Connecticut Science Center to reduce its carbon foot print. Connecticut Science Center is also expecting a Gold Level LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council).
Lise Dondy, President of CCEF, said that they are pleased to be part of this clean energy initiative by providing help and make the installation of fuel cell possible. He added that the science center preaches to embrace clean energy technologies to save the environment and future mankind and practice what it preached.