2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Colleen Ryan, 1-866-NYSERDA, ext. 3359 or cqr@nyserda.or

First Large, Commercial NYC Fuel Cell Commissioned;
Sheraton NY Gains Clean, Quiet Power and Heat

New York Jun 14-The Sheraton New York, midtown on Seventh Avenue has begun using electricity and heat generated by an advanced fuel cell, installed under the distributed generation program of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The 250 kilowatt, natural gas-powered unit being installed at the flagship Starwood Hotel represents the first hotel to adopt the technology.

The virtually pollution-free technology is recognized as a renewable power generation source and represents a key component to a hydrogen-fueled economy of the future. The technology converts natural gas to hydrogen that is used to generate the power. The process typically doubles the output efficiency over traditional generators because it captures and employs the waste heat from the process.

"We were pleased to work with Starwood, PPL Corporation and ConEd to bring this project to operation," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith. "This also represents a first step in a strategic effort to place distributed generation fuel cells at key grid bottlenecks throughout the city. They will provide clean, quiet power to help ensure safe and reliable electric service during peak demand periods," Smith noted.

NYSERDA provided a $920,000 incentive toward the total project cost of $1.84 million. It has funded installation of eight other units, at waste water treatment facilities in the ConEd service territory, and two more units at educational institutions upstate. Fuel cells are one part of the Distributed Generation/Combined Heat and Power Program that to date, has committed more than $41 million to supporting 88 DG systems for a combined output of 82 megawatts of power across the State.

"Fuel cells are recognized as a clean, renewable source of energy under Governor George E. Pataki's Renewable Portfolio Standard that aims for a quarter of the State's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2013. They offer good efficiency and virtually no pollution," Smith said.

The DFC 300 FuelCell Energy unit was installed and is being operated by PPL. It is about the size of a truck trailer and is visible atop the fourth floor roof from West 52^nd Street. It will provide 250kW of power around the clock, and 300,000 BTUs/hour to the hotel's main steam loop. It is also designed to provide standby lighting service to 20 floors, during power outages.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 by the New York State Legislature. NYSERDA has successfully developed and brought into use more than 140 innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally beneficial products, processes, and services. NYSERDA also administers the New York Energy $mart^SM program, which assists the State's businesses and consumers in implementing energy efficiency measures.