Greenwood Energy expands into green power generation sector with new fuel cell facility for Central Connecticut State University
Green Bay, Wis. – Oct. 10, 2011 – Greenwood Energy has announced its first power contract with the purchase of a 1.4 megawatt (MW) Direct FuelCell® power plant from FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL), a leading manufacturer of ultra-clean, efficient and reliable power plants.
Energy from the new power plant, located on the campus of Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut, will be sold by Greenwood Energy under a multi-year service agreement and will begin operations by December 2011. The fuel cell power plant will reduce power costs for the University, helping it lower greenhouse gas emissions and attain its sustainability goals.
“This expansion of Greenwood Energy’s operations into the green power generation space builds on our current strengths in renewable fuel pellet technology and waste repurposing,” said Camilo Patrignani, Head of Americas at the Libra Group and interim CEO of Greenwood Energy. “Adding this fuel cell project to Libra Group’s global portfolio of power generation assets will allow target markets, like universities, to become more sustainable, environmentally friendly and energy-secure in the future.”
The plant will generate ultra-clean electricity as well as steam for heating and cooling campus buildings. The fuel cell power process creates more power from a given unit of fuel compared to combustion-based power sources, and significantly reduces the university’s reliance on conventional combustion boilers. Moreover, the fuel cell plant emits virtually zero pollutants such as NOx, SOx or particulate matter.
This project represents the initial collaboration between Greenwood Energy and FuelCell Energy. The Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority provided a grant to the project, in conjunction with the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program.
“We are pleased to be working with Greenwood Energy as it continues to grow its North American power business,” added Robert J. Keefrider, Jr., Director, Commercial and Corporate Development, FuelCell Energy, Inc. “This transaction is an excellent example of maximizing energy efficiency for clients and enabling the timely and efficient funding of fuel cell power projects.”
Currently, Greenwood Energy is developing additional renewable fuel manufacturing facilities in the U.S., and is broadening its geographical reach for landfill diversion and investing in clean power generation assets for customers seeking a sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
About Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) is a regional, comprehensive public university. Comprising five schools, CCSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs. More than 85 percent of CCSU graduates remain in Connecticut, contributing to the intellectual, cultural, and economic health of the state. Founded in 1849, CCSU is Connecticut’s oldest publicly supported institution of higher education. The largest of four comprehensive universities within the Connecticut State University System, CCSU – New Britain serves nearly 12,500 students.
About FuelCell Energy
Direct FuelCell® power plants are generating ultra-clean, efficient and reliable power at more than 50 locations worldwide. The Company’s power plants have generated over 800 million kWh of power using a variety of fuels including renewable biogas from wastewater treatment and food processing, as well as clean natural gas. With over 180 megawatts of power generation capacity installed or in backlog, FuelCell Energy is a global leader in providing ultra-clean baseload distributed generation to utilities, industrial operations, universities, municipal water treatment facilities, government installations and other clients around the world. For more information please visit our website at www.fuelcellenergy.com.