FuelCell Energy, the Connecticut-based global leader in state-of-the-art fuel cell platforms, celebrated the opening of its newest clean energy project at a cable cutting ceremony in Derby.

The 14-megawatt baseload fuel cell project located on Roosevelt Drive consists of 10 fuel cells and will supply power to thousands of customers of Eversource and United Illuminating. It is the second largest fuel cell park in North America following only FuelCell Energy’s Bridgeport fuel cell park and will generate substantial tax revenue for the city.

The location in Derby was selected by the state, which held a competitive bidding process as part of its efforts to foster distributed utility scale clean energy solutions that can be deployed in high density areas throughout Connecticut. Additionally, the fuel cell park is the first major project to come online since the state launched its new “Make it Here” marketing campaign designed to show the strength of its manufacturing base. All the components of this facility were made in FuelCell Energy’s Torrington, Connecticut, factory.

While fuel cells can serve a variety of functions, such as creating H₂ or capturing carbon, in Derby they are being used to deliver competitively priced, Class I Renewable Energy as part of 20-yr power purchase agreements with Eversource and United Illuminating. In Connecticut, a Class I renewable energy source is defined by statute as electricity produced from wind power, geothermal power or fuel cells.

Joining FuelCell Energy President and CEO Jason Few at the ceremonial opening were Governor Ned Lamont, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan, and other key policy makers who have championed the local fuel cell industry and clean energy in the state. Eversource and United Illuminating were represented, as well.