FuelCell
Energy's 1.2 Megawatt Power Plant Attains California Certifications for Air
Quality and Interconnection Standards and a National Certification for
Operating and Safety Standards
1.2 Megawatt Power
Plant is the Largest Distributed Generation Power Plant Certified for the
California Market
DANBURY, Conn., Dec
20, 2007 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCEL),
a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency, ultra-clean power plants for
commercial, industrial and utility customers, today announced that its
DFC1500MA(tm) has received three certifications that confirm the 1.2 MW power
plant meets California's emission regulations and complies with both
requirements for connecting to power grids and national product safety
standards.
FuelCell Energy's
DFC1500MA(tm) system met the stringent air quality rules set by the
California Air Resources Board (CARB); was certified by the Rule 21 Working
Group to technical requirements for interconnecting with California's power
grid; and was approved by CSA International for its adherence to the American
National Standard for Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems operating and safety
standards.
These certifications
have the effect of simplifying or shortening the approval process for installing
on-site forms of power generation like Direct FuelCell(r) (DFC(r)) power
plants. Their comprehensive pre-qualification tests reduce or eliminate the
need to obtain certain permits; affirms the power plant's ultra-clean
emission profile; and confirms its ability to connect safely with the
existing power infrastructure.
"Our customers
can be assured that our DFC fuel cells operate at the highest standards for
air quality, interconnection and safety," said William Karambelas,
FuelCell Energy Vice President of Business Development. "Local
authorities are also assured of compliance with applicable standards which
can reduce the time required in the approval and permitting processes."
* CARB 2007 measures a product's adherence to California's
toughest-in-the-nation air quality rules. With the certification,
the DFC1500MA system may be installed in California Air Quality
Management Districts without obtaining an air permit (please see
http://www.arb.ca.gov) and the power plant is eligible for
preferential rate treatment such as elimination of "exit fees" and
"standby charges" for electric generation at customer sites.
* The Rule 21 Working Group develops comprehensive interconnection,
operation and metering requirements for customer-sited generation
in California. Its guidelines have been rolled into the
interconnection requirements of utilities across the U.S., so the
DFC1500 MA certification is beneficial across the country. The
DFC1500MA system is the largest distributed generation power plant
certified to Rule 21 and it is the fourth FuelCell Energy power
plant to gain the accreditation.
* CSA International is accredited by the U.S. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) to evaluate stationary fuel cell power
systems against ANSI/CSA America FC1-2004 (the established American
standard for stationary fuel cell power systems). Certification of
the DFC1500MA system assures local authorities that the power plant
meets all design, construction, operational, quality and safety
requirements.
FuelCell Energy's DFC power plants may be situated close to
where electricity is needed because they dramatically reduce the noise, NOX,
SOX and particulate matter associated with traditional means of generation
such as turbines or combustion engines. In addition to producing ultra-clean
electricity 24/7, DFC power plants can run on a variety of fuels, including
renewable biofuels, and can dramatically improve energy efficiency through
combined heat and power applications.
About FuelCell Energy Inc.
FuelCell Energy is the world leader in the development and
production of stationary fuel cells for commercial, industrial, municipal and
utility customers. FuelCell Energy's ultra-clean and high efficiency DFC(r)
fuel cells are generating power at over 50 locations worldwide. The company's
power plants have generated more than 200 million kWh of power using a
variety of fuels including renewable wastewater gas, biogas from beer and
food processing as well as natural gas and other hydrocarbon fuels. FuelCell
Energy has partnerships with major power plant developers, trading companies
and power companies around the world. The company also receives substantial
funding from the US Department of Energy and other government agencies for
the development of leading edge technologies such as hybrid fuel cell/turbine
generators and solid oxide fuel cells. For more information please visit our
website at www.fuelcellenergy.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including
statements regarding the Company's plans and expectations regarding the
continuing development and commercialization of its fuel cell technology. All
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that
could cause such a difference include, without limitation, general risks
associated with product development, manufacturing, changes in the utility
regulatory environment, potential volatility of energy prices, rapid
technological change, competition, and the Company's ability to achieve its
sales plans and cost reduction targets, as well as other risks set forth in
the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this
press release. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking
to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statement to reflect
any change in the Company's expectations or any change in events, conditions
or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
This news release was distributed by PrimeNewswire, www.primenewswire.com
SOURCE: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
FuelCell Energy, Inc.
Lisa Lettieri
203-830-7494
ir@fce.com