FUELCELL ENERGY AGREES TO RELOCATE POWER PLANT

Ongoing discussions among the legislature, officials of FuelCell Energy and Trumbull residents have been taking place over the past several weeks regarding the proposed site, led by Trumbull's legislative delegation, Senator Anthony Musto, Representative T.R. Rowe and Representative Tony Hwang. Agreement was recently reached to pursue an alternative location, requiring enabling legislation and support from government bodies that are involved, including the Connecticut Department Public Utility Control, Connecticut Department Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund, along with the Governors Office.

State legislation was passed on May 5, 2010 that affirms the validity of a change in location for the DFC-ERG system originally slated for Huntington Turnpike and that directs the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control to consider a modified contract for a new site. By working together, FuelCell Energy, members of the Trumbull and State legislative delegations and citizen representatives from Trumbull have found a mutually-agreeable solution that will relocate the power plant and benefit Connecticut by creating clean and safe alternatives for electricity generation, a cleaner environment for future generations and more 'green' jobs in Connecticut.

"We've worked hard with the Trumbull delegation and other members of the Legislature to identify a plan supportive of Connecticut's fuel cell industry and the desires of the Trumbull community," said R. Daniel Brdar, FuelCell Energy's CEO and Chairman. "Based upon their efforts to enact enabling legislation along with Governor Rell's stated support for a project at an alternate site, we will relocate the proposed Huntington Turnpike project. We look forward to working with the legislative delegation, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Public Utility Control to identify and approve a new location and revised power contract."

Representative Rowe stated that "This is a win-win solution, and I am very pleased with this result. Ultimately, fuel cell technology is good for Connecticut and FuelCell Energy acted as a good and responsible corporate citizen in listening to the community's concerns."

Senator Musto noted that "in this difficult economic environment, especially in the manufacturing sector, we're happy to have a company like FuelCell Energy show they respect the residents in this state and value people who use their products. I wholeheartedly support the agreement and I'll do whatever I can to support them and the industry in the future."

Representative Tony Hwang stated "this landmark agreement reflected a total 'team' effort where legislators, Trumbull residents and FuelCell Energy showed cooperation, mutual understanding and a lot of hard work can lead to a positive solution for all parties involved."

Governor Rell commented "A strong fuel cell industry is vital to Connecticut's economic growth. I applaud the effort to identify an outcome good for Connecticut industry and local citizens and reaffirm my support for the facility at an alternative location."

Beginning with the first Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) passed in 2003, the Connecticut State Government has demonstrated forward thinking in recognizing and embracing the importance of alternative energy sources to improve the efficiency of power generation, reduce pollution, lessen reliance on imported power from other states, and create jobs. Fuel cells are an important component of the Connecticut Project 150 and RPS.

Over three years ago, FuelCell Energy, Inc. began the approval process to locate a Direct Fuel Cell-Energy Recovery Generator (DFC-ERG) system at an existing natural gas letdown station on the Huntington Turnpike in Trumbull, CT. This proposed project has followed the State proscribed process; a process originated by the State Legislature in 2003 with a bill titled PA 03-135, which incorporated open public review. The project was designed to help Connecticut meet its needs for electricity while decreasing CO2 and harmful pollutants.

GOVERNOR JODI RELL SUPPORTS TRUMBULL RESIDENTS

Residents from Trumbull, the Trumbull First Selectman and the state legislators met with Governor Jodi Rell's office to discuss FuelCell Energy's proposal to build a natural gas power plant in a residential neighborhood. After listening to the residents and visiting the site, the governor is writing a letter of support for the community and our elected officials. The residents of Trumbull appreciate Governor Rell's support and will continue to work with our elected representatives in fighting FuelCell Energy and their proposal

Click to read the letter