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Fuel for Thought
Clean Energy Fund hold first fuel-cell 'summit'
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Business New Haven
4/14/2003
By: BNH
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UNCASVILLE - As the vast potential of fuel cell development becomes more evident across the state and nation, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF), in collaboration with the U.S. Fuel Cell Council and Fuel Cells 2000, held its inaugural Fuel Cell Investment Summit last month to stimulate further investment and interest in the clean, reliable and environmentally friendly technology.
The international event took place at the fuel cell-powered Mohegan Sun casino March 17-18. Some 22 exhibitors and more than 200 attendees were on hand for the event.
"Connecticut doesn't have the huge waves, steady sunshine or constant high winds some other technologies require," said CCEF Chairman Arthur H. Diedrick. "What we do have in abundance, however, are talented people and organizations with advanced knowledge of fuel cell technology and the innovative spirit and tradition necessary to develop fuel cells' potential.
"Connecticut is home to several large developers and manufacturers of fuel cells and a host of smaller, related companies," Diedrick added. "With these businesses, university research centers and smart public policies, we are well positioned to lead the nation as the global market for fuel cell expands."
The program included remarks by a number of clean energy technology experts. Dan Reicher of Northern Power Systems lent market and regulatory insight gained from his experience as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
Attendees also heard from Susan Kemp, president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) International and manager of advanced technology planning at Pratt & Whitney; Joel Swisher, an expert in the analysis, design and evaluation of building-energy systems, utility energy efficiency, distributed generation and emission reduction programs; and Steven Glaser of Fuel Cell Europe, an industry association formed recently by the World Fuel Cell Council.
Panel discussions during the two-day program included: "Sparking Fuel Cell Commercialization," "An Attractive Investment Despite the Risks" and "Transportation's Effect on Fuel Cell Commercialization" which explained the technology comparison from an end-user perspective, progress and future scenarios for end users, supplier/user perspectives and market forces.
Attendees also heard commentary from Bob Rose, executive director of the U.S. Fuel Cell Council, as well as four local fuel cell company representatives, who shared their industry perspectives.
Administered by Connecticut Innovations Inc., the CCEF invests in enterprises and other initiatives that promote and develop sustainable markets for energy from renewables and fuel cells that will ultimately benefit Connecticut ratepayers.
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