The Roosevelt Drive fuel cell. Photo courtesy of Jack Walsh via Facebook.
DERBY — Gov. Ned Lamont was on hand Thursday (Nov. 16) to officially open a new fuel cell facility on Roosevelt Drive.
A fuel cell “uses the chemical energy of hydrogen or other fuels to cleanly and efficiently produce electricity,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Derby’s new fuel cell converts natural gas into electricity, according to a post on the CBIA website.
The new power generator on Roosevelt Drive (state Route 34) will produce enough juice to power 10,000 homes, according to WSHU public radio. The electricity produced by the 14-megawatt station is purchased by Eversource and United Illuminating. The power produced goes out into the grid. It’s not Derby-exclusive.
The Roosevelt Drive fuel cell is being leased by FuelCell Energy, Inc., based in Danbury. Its components were made in Torrington. Another fuel cell is under construction on Coon Hollow Road, between the Derby Department of Public Works and the city’s dog park.
The Roosevelt Drive facility is now the second largest fuel cell in the state. The largest is in Bridgeport.
Rich Dziekan, the outgoing Derby mayor, has touted the two fuel cell projects in the city as a way to bring much-needed non-residential tax revenue to the community.
The fuel cell is at 200 Roosevelt Drive on privately-owned land, according to documents filed with the state in 2019. FuelCell Energy Inc. is leasing the land from IDA Properties, Inc., part of IDA International, a Roosevelt Drive manufacturer next to the new fuel cell.
Fuel cells are considered a “class 1” renewable energy source under state statute. That puts them with wind power projects — “clean energy” producers.
The following was taken from a FuelCell Energy Inc. press release on the new facility:
How It Works
Fuel cells electrochemically combine fuel and air to create power without combustion. Other energy generation processes combust methane, emitting nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx), and particulate matter emissions, which can lead to smog, acid rain, and respiratory issues. The electrochemical reaction in fuel cells is virtually free of these harmful emissions.
FuelCell Energy’s platforms help utilities and independent power producers eliminate or reduce emissions while strengthening grid reliability. The fuel cell power plant’s compact design, quiet operation, and clean emissions profile make it easy to site in populated areas.
