FuelCell Energy opens 14MW fuel cell site in Derby

FuelCell Energy has opened a new US-based fuel cell park in Derby, Connecticut, aiming to support the hydrogen industry.

The 14MW baseload power project incorporates 10 fuel cells and it’s expected to be the second largest fuel cell park in North America, following FuelCell Energy’s Bridgeport park, also in Connecticut.

The Roosevelt Drive facility will supply power to thousands of area customers of Eversource and United Illuminating through power purchase agreements, to be used in hydrogen production or carbon capture projects.

The Derby location was selected by the state, which held a competitive bidding process as part of its efforts to accelerate distributed utility scale clean energy solutions that can be deployed in high density areas throughout Connecticut.

Jason Few, FuelCell Energy President and CEO, said that despite FuelCell Energy’s global reach, supporting companies decarbonise power generation and to produce hydrogen, the company “couldn’t be prouder” to deliver clean energy solutions to its neighbours in Connecticut.

The Roosevelt Drive fuel cell project was first announced in 2018 following a Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Clean Energy Request for Proposals.

FuelCell Energy’s platforms will help utilities and independent power producers eliminate or reduce emissions and strengthen grid reliability.

The fuel cell power plant’s compact design, quiet operation, and clean emissions profile make it easy to site in populated areas.