CMEEC Marks Groundbreaking for SUBASE New London Fuel Cell Project
NORWICH, Conn., July 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC), today participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a 7.4 megawatt (MW) fuel cell park at Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London in Groton, Conn. The Navy and CMEEC's agreement to site the project on SUBASE New London was announced during a special signing event in October of last year. FuelCell Energy of Danbury will install and own the installation under a long-term power purchase agreement for CMEEC's utilization.
CMEEC was selected by the Navy as most qualified to develop the project following a competitive solicitation and review process. The project is possible through the Navy's "Enhanced Use Leasing" (EUL) program.
By generating 7.4 MW of clean, efficient power from fuel cells manufactured in Conn., the fuel cell park will meet a majority of the average daily energy needs of SUBASE New London. Any excess power will be exported to the Groton Utilities distribution system.
The fuel cell park project follows more than $50 million in recent electrical and steam generation and distribution system improvements at SUBASE New London, with some $12 million in energy conservation projects undertaken in the past five years.
The fuel cells will be another milestone as the base pursues micro-grid capabilities that will enhance the energy resiliency, reliability, efficiency and security of the base. In addition, the project supports U.S. Navy energy programs aimed to reduce the Navy's consumption of energy, decrease its reliance on foreign sources of oil, and increase its use of alternative energy.
"With the added resilience and energy independence of the fuel cell micro-grid, the Navy will now be able to determine how and when to allocate resources to ensure cost-effective power delivery to critical infrastructure for years to come," said Drew Rankin, CEO of CMEEC. "This truly is a new milestone and 'anchor' for a comprehensive, base-wide energy program for SUBASE New London that increases military value."
The fuel cell park facility is scheduled for completion by Spring 2019.
About CMEEC
The Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) is a public power entity that has provided electric services to municipal utilities and participating wholesale customers in New England for more than 40 years. By delivering sustained lower-cost energy solutions, the municipal utilities, in turn, can provide electricity to roughly 100,000 residential, commercial / industrial and small business customers located in the area. CMEEC recently expanded its service area to include municipalities and organizations in neighboring states. CMEEC is headquartered in Norwich, Conn. For more information, visit www.cmeec.com.
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Beth Gibbons
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SOURCE Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC)
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