Fuel Cell Systems to Power 30% of Coca-Cola NY Facility

UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. company, announced it will supply two of its new PureCell Model 400 fuel cell systems to Coca-Cola Enterprises’ production facility in Elmsford, N.Y.

The two fuel cell systems will generate energy and heat for 30 percent of the facility’s operations, according to UTC Power, based in South Windsor, Conn. The fuel cells also will serve as a backup power source during outages. UTC Power will own, operate and maintain the fuel cells as part of a 10-year energy services agreement.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will provide $2 million for the project, which will showcase the energy and environmental benefits of fuel cell technology and combined heat and power.

The PureCell system produces 400 kilowatts of assured power, plus about 1,700,000 Btu/hr of heat for combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) applications, according to the company’s Web site.

Coca-Cola Enterprises may also add fuel cells at some of its 431 facilities across North America and Western Europe.

“At Coca-Cola Enterprises, corporate responsibility and sustainability are integral to our overall business strategy,” said Ron Lewis, vice president of supply chain for Coca-Cola Enterprises, in a statement. “The fuel cell systems at our Elmsford facility will help us further our environmental commitment to our local communities, reducing our carbon footprint and our use of the local power grid.”

The installation of fuel cells is just one of many sustainability initiatives the company has implemented in New York, said Coca-Cola. The company also has deployed 20 hybrid electric delivery trucks throughout metro New York City and has installed innovative water-saving technology in all of its New York production facilities.