November 28, 2012

GOV. MALLOY: HARTFORD CTTRANSIT FACILITY MOVES TO CLEAN POWER

Additional $5.7 Million Federal Funds Announced For New Haven Transit Facility Fuel Cell

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined officials from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and CTTRANSIT to dedicate the United Technologies Company (UTC) stationary fuel cell that is providing CTTRANSIT's Hartford bus maintenance and storage facility with clean and reliable power. The Governor also announced a $5.7 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant for the planning, purchase and installation of similar technology at the New Haven bus maintenance and storage facility.

"This transition to clean power at the Hartford transit facility will save taxpayers more than a half million dollars in annual utility costs, as well as removing harmful pollutants from our air," said Governor Malloy. "Cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy is very clearly the future of power, and Connecticut is uniquely positioned to be a world leader in fuel cell technology. Promoting lower energy costs, cleaner air, and statewide economic growth is right in line with our overall energy strategy and directly benefits Connecticut's renewable energy sector. We are appreciative of the nearly $11 million dollars the Federal Transit Administration has invested in these clean, green projects."

The fuel cell, manufactured by UTC Power of Connecticut, was installed in August and provides 400 kilowatts to the 333,000 square foot Hartford facility-77 percent of the building's power. In addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 827 metric tons and lowering nitrogen oxide emissions to the equivalent of removing more than 100 cars from the road, the system will also save nearly 3.6 million gallons of water each year.

"Fuel Cells are energy-efficient, cleaner and, most importantly, American. That's why I believe that fuel cell technology needs to become a major part of our 'all of the above' strategy for energy independence," said Congressman John Larson. "I'm committed to helping ensure that the federal government recognizes the potential of fuel cells that we in Connecticut have known for years. We applaud both UTC and the state of Connecticut on today's important partnership."
The project was funded by a $5.2 million grant from the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER) Program through the U.S. Federal Transit Administration. The 400 kilowatt fuel cell for the New Haven project will also be funded by a $5.7 million TIGGER grant.

"The DOT is extremely proud of our continuing efforts to go green," said Transportation Commissioner James Redeker. "We have been recognized nationally in our efforts to cut emissions. The use of stationary fuel cell technology is another step to help secure our place as one of the industry's leaders in green technology in public transportation."

"We are excited that this fuel cell technology is providing local power generation in an environmentally positive way," said CTTRANSIT General Manager David Lee. "Our proven collaboration with UTC Power, demonstrated in the operation of five fuel cell transit buses, leaves us confident that this investment in fuel cell use will pay off, all the while supporting technology development and jobs in Connecticut."

CTTRANSIT operates a fleet of three zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses powered by Connecticut-made UTC Power fuel cells. The state is a leader in zero-emission technology that will help make fuel cell power commercially viable for the transit industry nationwide.

The Governor released the state's comprehensive energy strategy in early October.

CTTRANSIT is the state-owned bus transit system serving the greater Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, New Britain, Meriden, Bristol and Wallingford areas. For additional information regarding routes and schedules, visit www.cttransit.com .

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For Immediate Release: November 28, 2012

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy