DANBURY, Conn., Dec. 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- 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.