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The Danbury-based FuelCell Energy Inc. recently announced plans to go forward with construction in nearby Bridgeport, Conn. of what will be North America's largest fuel cell.
Covering a space less than two acres, the plant will produce 15 megawatts of electricity from natural gas provided by the Connecticut utility company United Illuminating. The electricity, which will be enough to power 15,000 homes, will then be sold to Connecticut Light & Power.
In an interview with WNPR's Ray Hardman, FuelCell Energy Inc.'s President and CEO Chip Buttone said the plant will not be a source of noise or emissions.
What's more, Buttone believes the plant will be a boone to the community financially and in other ways.
"First of all, it helps the power infrastructure in the city as we could all use," he said. "It has positive revenue implications for the city in terms of lease payments, sales taxes and things like that. And in relation to the area there is an element of job creation as well."
The power plant, which carries the price tag of an estimated $70 - $80 million, is subsidized with state loans and grants in addition to private capital.
Completion is scheduled for sometime next year.
