Marubeni Corp., Tokyo, has commissioned up to 1.25 Mw of power plant capacity from FuelCell Energy, Inc., Danbury, Conn.. Under the contract, FuelCell Energy will deliver one 250 kw Direct Fuel Cell (DFC) power plant in 2001, followed by four additional 250 kw power plants or a Mw-class plant. The total value of the contract is $6.25 million.
"This is an important step toward the realization of a cleaner, more efficient power generation technology for stationary combined heat and power applications in markets where Marubeni operates,'' said Marc Aube, manager power systems, Marubeni America Corp., New York. "We envision employing the DFC products initially in stationary distributed generation and island applications, thereafter potentially in remote and marine settings.''
FuelCell Energy CEO Jerry Leitman said the agreement builds on the important strategic partnership between Marubeni and FuelCell Energy established in February after an Marubeni's assessment of distributed generation options in Asia.
Takeo Nakata, general manager of Marubeni's environmental team in Tokyo, said cogeneration is considered important for promoting industrial growth and local economic growth. Fuel cells will satisfy market niches demanding round-the-clock availability, high-quality power, and island siting, he said.
FuelCell Energy's DFC technology uses a noncombustion, nonmechanical power generation process. FuelCell Energy is currently undertaking commercialization of its fuel cell technology in collaboration with several industrial and international partners.
