- Advancing solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology for commercial applications globally
- Contract executed with U.S. Department of Energy to support SOFC product commercialization, adding $3.0 million to Advanced Technology backlog
DANBURY, Conn., Oct. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCEL ), a global leader in the design, manufacture, operation and service of ultra‐clean, efficient and reliable fuel cell power plants, announced the execution of a $3.0 million cost-share contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) which will advance the commercialization of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology for ultra clean, high efficiency power generation applications. This contract will be added to the Advanced Technology backlog for the fourth quarter of 2016.
Advancing the reliability, robustness, and endurance of low-cost SOFC technology is consistent with the DOE mission of enabling low cost and low carbon transformative power generation technologies. This award further advances the technology toward its near term deployment in sub-megawatt on-site power generation applications.
“We have industry-leading electrical efficiency, as well as fuel flexibility and combined heat and power capabilities for our sub-megawatt solid oxide solution that will be delivered in an affordable manner to meet the needs of the marketplace,” said Chip Bottone, Chief Executive Officer, FuelCell Energy, Inc. “We anticipate announcing our first demonstration site in the coming months as development of the complete solid oxide fuel cell power plant nears finalization.”
Previously, the DOE awarded a contract for FuelCell Energy to install and operate a 400 kilowatt SOFC system located at a host site and connected to the electric grid. Design of the system, consisting of two 200 kilowatt power plants, is nearing completion and a first prototype is under construction. FuelCell Energy and the DOE are evaluating the most appropriate location for the project.
“While the initial demonstration site is expected to operate on natural gas, we have a fuel flexible solution that can also utilize on-site biogas or directed biogas, which is applicable to a broad range of sub-megawatt applications globally,” continued Mr. Bottone.
FuelCell Energy’s SOFC technology generates industry-leading electrical efficiency of approximately 60 percent plus usable heat for combined heat and power applications, resulting in total estimated thermal efficiency between 80 and 85 percent. The technology is fuel flexible, with the ability to utilize coal syngas, clean natural gas, on-site renewable biogas or directed biogas. Fuel cells electrochemically convert a fuel source into electricity and heat in a highly efficient process that emits virtually no pollutants due to the absence of combustion.
About FuelCell Energy Direct FuelCell ® power plants are generating ultra-clean, efficient and reliable power on three continents, affordably providing continuous distributed power generation to a variety of industries including utilities, commercial and municipal customers. The Company’s power plants have generated billions of kilowatt hours of ultra-clean power using a wide variety of fuels including renewable biogas from wastewater treatment and food processing, as well as clean natural gas. For additional information, please visit www.fuelcellenergy.com and follow us on Twitter .
Direct FuelCell, DFC, DFC/T, DFC-H2, DFC-ERG and FuelCell Energy logo are all registered trademarks of FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Contact: FuelCell Energy, Inc. Kurt Goddard, Vice President Investor Relations 203-830-7494 ir@fce.com
