Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Generates Clean Power on Site

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn. and ELMSFORD, N.Y., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Coca-Cola Refreshments USA (CCR) today announced that operations at its Elmsford, New York production facility are being powered by two UTC Power fuel cells.  UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE: UTX), installed and is operating two PureCell® Model 400 fuel cell systems that provide 35 percent of the electricity and heat required by the facility. The clean, efficient power plants will help the Company lower its energy costs and further its sustainability efforts, specifically around energy conservation and water stewardship.

A ceremony to commission the fuel cells was attended by leaders from Coca-Cola Refreshments USA and UTC Power, and representatives of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which provided funding to support Coca-Cola's fuel cell project.

"By producing clean power on-site with fuel cells, Coca-Cola Refreshments will reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the utility grid, which will result in less air pollution and greater water savings," said Neal Montany, director of UTC Power stationary fuel cell business.  "UTC Power is delighted to be associated with CCR and we are proud that our fuel cells are helping CCR achieve its sustainability goals."

The UTC Power fuel cells on-site at CCR are capable of operating independent of the local utility power company.  If there's a large-scale power outage in the Elmsford area, the fuel cells will allow select operations to continue at the facility, while grid power is being restored.  

Fuel cells are one of the cleanest energy-generation sources available in the world and meet the strictest U.S. emission standards. Highly energy efficient and virtually pollution-free, fuel cells produce electricity, heat and water through an electrochemical process.  Coca-Cola Refreshments will prevent the release of more than 2,635 metric tons of carbon dioxide and more than 4 metric tons of nitrogen oxide emissions by using the fuel cells instead of non-base load utility power plants.  

With its proven phosphoric acid-based fuel cell technology, the Model 400 boasts an industry best 20-year product life with a 10-year stack life, overall system efficiency of up to 90 percent, and is designed to operate in water-balance -- no consumption or discharge of water in normal operations -- saving millions of gallons of water when compared to central generation and other fuel cell technologies.

"Coca-Cola is focusing on implementing green innovations and initiatives to reduce our Company's overall environmental footprint at each step of our operations," said John Lacey, Sales Center Manager.  "Use of these fuel cell systems at our Elmsford facility is one way in which we are working to achieve our 2020 environmental goals."  

Coca-Cola has demonstrated a strong commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability in New York and at facilities outside of New York.  The company recently signed a contract to install two more UTC Power fuel cells at its bottling plant in East Hartford, Conn.

"Coca-Cola Refreshments is to be commended for working to reduce its environmental impact by choosing clean, efficient fuel cells to support its Elmsford operations," said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. "As NYSERDA works to assist companies seeking cleaner fuel options, we hope Coca-Cola's use of innovative fuel cell technologies will serve as a model for industries and manufacturers all across New York State." 

About Coca-Cola

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Together with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com

About UTC Power

UTC Power is part of United Technologies Corp. (UTC), which provides energy-efficient products and services to the aerospace and building industries.  UTC is a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Pew Center on Global Climate Change and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index each year since it was launched in 1999. Based in South Windsor, Conn., UTC Power is the world leader in developing and producing fuel cells that generate energy for buildings and for transportation, space and defense applications.  For more information, please visit www.utcpower.com.

About NYSERDA

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), offers innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help consumers increase energy efficiency and save money while helping businesses create clean energy solutions.  NYSERDA professionals use an objective, multi-faceted approach to help New Yorkers reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy, protect our environment and create clean energy jobs.  A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in NY since 1975.

SOURCE UTC Power