The fuel cell power plant is expected to provide about 10 percent of the power and domestic hot water needs of the hotel. Delivery of the hotel unit is scheduled for this summer.

"The Sheraton in Manhattan is an excellent application for a DFC power plant due to its location and load profile," said Herbert T. Nock, senior vice president of marketing and sales of FuelCell Energy Inc. "The clean and quiet operating characteristics of the power plant make it ideal for a congested urban setting like Manhattan, and the steady need for power at a hotel means that the fuel cell will be providing electricity and heat energy around the clock."

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has committed to awarding $920,000 toward the project. This was one of the finalists selected for funding in 2002 under NYSERDA's combined heat and power program. The winners were selected after an evaluation to determine the likelihood of success as well as the economical and environmental benefits associated with the proposed projects.

Publication date: 05/03/2004