FuelCell Energy Inc. (USA) and Marubeni Corporation (Japan) have agreed to generate at least 45mw in Direct FuelCell® (DFC®) power plant orders, while providing the necessary infrastructure for successfully launching the product in Japan and Asia. Initially Marubeni will purchase these plants directly from FuelCell Energy. As volume grows Marubeni will design and supply increasing portions of the power plant to assure this product fully meets the needs of the Asian markets. Marubeni and FuelCell Energy expect to form a joint venture for the purpose of assembling DFC modules in Asia from components produced by FuelCell Energy at its manufacturing facility in Torrington, Conn. Upon signing the agreement, Marubeni will order 3mw of DFC power plants from FuelCell Energy, in addition to the 1.25mw currently on order. The two companies will also develop a balance of plant design for the Asian market. During the next two years, Marubeni is targeting orders of at least 45mw in Japan and Asia.
