FuelCell Energy to Install Clean Power at Pfizer R&D Facility

FuelCell Energy Inc. announced plans for the installation of a 5.6 megawatt fuel cell power generation system for Pfizer to provide reliable and low carbon electricity and steam for its 160-acre R&D facility in Groton, CT, according to a Jan. 4, 2016 press release by the power company. Pfizer will purchase the power and steam under a 20-year power purchase agreement that will lead to a reduction in energy costs, while enhancing power reliability from on-site power generation. The efficient combined heat and power (CHP) fuel cell system will be configured to operate continuously, in parallel with the grid during normal operation and independently supplying electricity to campus loads during grid outages, while supporting Pfizer's commitment to sustainability with power generation that is low carbon and efficient. The fuel cell installation is expected to be fully operational by summer 2016. 

The fuel cell system will include two fuel cell power plants that operate in tandem to generate 5.6 megawatts of clean power and steam and will supply a portion of the Pfizer Groton facility's energy needs. Generating both power and steam from the same unit of fuel reduces heating costs and the associated pollutants and carbon emissions from more traditional combustion-based boiler systems. The fuel cells will operate parallel to the electric grid and, in the event of a grid disturbance, continue to provide power to Pfizer's Groton facility by switching to what is termed an “island” mode that is grid independent.

The CHP-configured fuel cell plants produce clean power and heat via an electrochemical process that avoids combustion and its associated pollutants, including nitrogen oxide (NO_x) that causes smog, sulfur dioxide (SO_x) that contributes to acid rain, and particulate matter that can aggravate asthma. The emissions profile of the fuel cells installed at the Pfizer facility will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; avoiding more than 28,900 tons of CO₂ and more than 34 tons of NO_x annually as compared to the average US grid, which is equivalent to removing more than 5,300 cars from the road. These environmental benefits can be realized by Pfizer or sold to third parties through renewable energy certificates. 

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. The Direct FuelCell (DFC) stationary fuel cell power plants manufactured by FuelCell Energy use carbonate fuel cell technology and provide continuous power located where the power is used, including both on-site applications and electric grid support. The combination of near-zero pollutants, modest land-use needs, and quiet operating nature of these stationary fuel cell power plants facilitates locating the power plants in urban locations. The power plants are fuel flexible, capable of operating on clean natural gas, on-site renewable biogas, or directed biogas. 

Source: FuelCell Energy