Ultra-Clean And Reliable Power Generation Drives Purchase Of Direct FuelCell Power Plant In London, England

DANBURY, Conn., Feb. 14, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL) a leading manufacturer of ultra-clean, efficient and reliable power plants using renewable and other fuels for commercial, industrial, government, and utility customers, today announced the sale of a 300 kilowatt DFC300 to be installed at the Quadrant 3 re-development project on Regent Street in central London, England. The fuel cell is expected to help the project meet clean air emission requirements and carbon reduction targets. 

The Quadrant 3 project is a 250,000 square foot mixed use retail/office/residential redevelopment project being developed by The Crown Estate. The redevelopment project will maintain the historical character of the area while incorporating modern technology and sustainable environmental practices such as fuel cell power generation.

"Our long term outlook means that sustainability is a critically important part of our approach to business," said Alastair Smart, Head of Development, The Crown Estate. "Reliable on-site power generation delivered in an environmentally friendly manner is an important aspect of our development projects and the fuel cell fits our requirements at Quadrant 3."   

The DFC300 will be physically located inside the building as the quiet operation and virtual lack of pollutants from fuel cells is well-suited for urban applications. The power generation process of the fuel cell uses an electrochemical reaction rather than combustion, which very efficiently converts fuel into clean electricity. Due to the lack of combustion, the fuel cell emits virtually no pollutants, such as NOx, SOx or particulate matter. This electrochemical power generation process is quiet, allowing for a normal conversational tone next to an operating fuel cell. 

The Direct FuelCell (DFC) power plant generates clean electricity and high quality heat. Fuel cells can achieve up to 90 percent efficiency when the heat is utilized in a combined heat and power (CHP) configuration. The heat for this fuel cell installation will be used for facility heating and cooling, resulting in maximum fuel efficiency and cost savings for the client. The fuel cell project designer and installer, Logan Energy Limited, estimates the overall efficiency of this DFC installation at 82 percent.  The plant is expected to be operational by late 2011.