(Source: PrimeNewswire)
LATHAM, N.Y., June 30, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plug Power Inc. (Nasdaq:PLUG), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions, and National Grid, an international natural gas and electric utility, today announced Union College as the site host for the trial of Plug Power's residential fuel cell, GenSys. Plug Power's 5 kilowatt combined heat and power (CHP) unit will convert natural gas into electricity and high-quality heat for the Beuth House residence hall on the Schenectady, New York campus.
As part of the educational outreach program included in this project, participants will also include Ballston Spa High School and Schenectady Museum. Both groups will engage students of all ages in fuel cell education and field trial data analysis.
This project is a result of a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced in November of 2008. Plug Power and National Grid will test the system in the real-life operating conditions at Union College. Collaboratively, the companies will use the critical data collected to determine system refinements for incorporation into the next-generation system design.
"Union College is an ideal field trial site due to its support of advanced energy initiatives, efficiency programs and associated curriculum," said Mark Sperry, Vice President of Plug Power's Continuous Power Division. "Moving our testing out of the lab and into the field is a pivotal point for Plug Power, as we push forward our agenda to commercialize our residential GenSys product."
"National Grid is proud to be a part of this project and to work with Plug Power, Union College, The Schenectady Museum, Ballston Spa School District and everyone making this test project a reality," said Stanley Blazewicz, Vice President of Global Technology for National Grid. "We believe fuel cells and other technologies can be vital parts of our energy solutions for the future and a way we can help our customers save money and reduce their carbon footprint."
"We are excited to be part of this project," said Richard Wilk, Mechanical Engineering Professor at Union College. "It will give our students the opportunity to see this technology demonstrated first hand and actually collect data from the unit and analyze its performance. Sustainable energy conversion technologies such as this are increasingly becoming an important part of our curriculum as well as our campus operations."
Educational outreach programs will begin immediately. On July 9, 2009, sixth and seventh grade students participating in Ballston Spa's Gateway Academy will spend an entire day learning about fuel cells.
