May 5, 2003
MiBiz Network

MUSKEGON - The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC) has secured its fuel cell power plant.
FuelCell Energy Inc. has signed an agreement with Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to install and service a DFC300A fuel cell power plant for the university's 25,000-square-foot research center in Muskegon. Based in Danbury, Conn., FuelCell Energy is a world leader in the development and manufacture of hydrogen fuel cells for clean electric power generation.

FuelCell Energy's Direct FuelCell (DFC) power plant will provide electricity and a heat recovery system for heating and cooling that advances energy technology applications in MAREC's research space, incubator facilities, conference center and classrooms.

The MAREC building is located at Edison Landing in the Muskegon Lakeshore SmartZone. It will be the first commercial project in the world to integrate fuel cell technology, a heat recovery system for heating and air conditioning, photovoltaics and a nickel metal hydride battery storage system to store excess energy. The result will be a building that powers itself using green sources.

MAREC's goal is to develop and improve the quality and application of energy efficient technologies such as fuel cells for stationary base-load power generation and to expand the market for such technologies. Funding for the entire project, including the building and the fuel cells, is being provided for by a $3 million alternative energy grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission and bonding from the city of Muskegon.

"Having our DFC power plant as the center of this integrated alternative energy system will further demonstrate fuel cell technology as a key clean, efficient and reliable source of base load power for an institutional application," said FuelCell Energy Chairman and CEO Jerry D. Leitman. "We are delighted to be working with the innovative leaders at Grand Valley State University and appreciate the support of the Michigan State Public Service Commission and the city of Muskegon."

Tim Schad, vice president for finance and administration at GVSU, is pleased with the many partners working together in this project.

"Michigan is poised to be a leader in the application of fuel cell technologies in both stationary and mobile applications. The Muskegon SmartZone is a joint venture between the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the city of Muskegon and Grand Valley State University for the purpose of research and business incubation in alternative energy," said Schad.

"Grand Valley's research center will serve as a model of how fuel cell technology can be used efficiently as an alternative source of power," said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra. "I anticipate that it will become the premier institution for alternative energy research and development as people from throughout the world come to West Michigan to study and advance the technology."

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This article appeared in the May 5, 2003 issue of MiBiz, read by upper management executives in West and Southwest Michigan. Print subscriptions are free to qualified individuals who do business in West and Southwest Michigan. For further information about MiBiz Network, visit www.mibiz.com.