FuelCell Energy Inc., which makes its power plants in Torrington, has received a USD 1.25 million contract to build a fuel cell unit that will be installed next year at a University of Connecticut campus, most likely in Storrs. The contract follows up on Gov. John G. Rowland’s announcement on 17 July that the state would buy a 250-kilowatt unit from the expanding company. The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, which is funded by a surcharge on utility bills, will cover the project’s costs. “This investment will yield substantial returns to the state, not only in the form of reduced air pollution but will also provide valuable information on fuel cell technology in Connecticut,” said Arthur Diedrick, chairman of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. Danbury-based FuelCell Energy expects to have its first products available in the marketplace by the end of the year. FuelCell’s power plant will most likely be installed at UConn’s Storrs campus, Diedrick said. The order has been placed and delivery expected during the next six to nine months.
