Larson: New UTC Fuel Cells at Coke Facility a 'Game Changer'

Press Release

Congressman John Larson (CT-01) joined United Technologies employees, East Hartford Students and Coca-Cola executives in unveiling two new PureCell System Model 400 fuel cells at the soft drink provider's East Hartford facility Friday morning.

The new fuel cells will generate enough energy to meet nearly 100 percent of the electrical and 50 percent of the heating power demand at the bottling facility. Using hydrogen to power the fuel cells will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and the facility's overall energy use by 30 percent. By generating this power onsite, Coca-Cola will be helping to lessen the burden on our power grid.

"These UTC fuel cells have the potential to become a real game-changer in the way businesses power and heat their facilities," Congressman Larson said. "This is a great investment by Coca-Cola. They're now poised to see real energy savings while doing their part to reduce the burden on our power grid and help fight global warming. United Technologies should be commended as well for realizing the potential of fuel cells and continuing to produce them here in Connecticut."

A recent report by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) indicates that Connecticut's Hydrogen Fuel Cell industry has grown by 28 percent since 2006.

"UTC Power is extremely pleased that Congressman Larson could join us today as we celebrate the installation of two of our 400 kilowatt stationary fuel cells here at the Coca-Cola Refreshments bottling facility in his hometown of East Hartford," said Mike Brown, vice president of government affairs and general counsel for UTC Power. "We want to sincerely thank Congressman Larson for his commitment to the commercialization and deployment of fuel cells. Connecticut and the state's fuel cell industry are fortunate to have a leader like Congressman Larson who truly believes fuel cells can help lead the way to energy independence."

The two fuel cells were wrapped in artwork created by East Hartford High School Junior Julia Steele, who won a contest sponsored by Coca-Cola.

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