Volume 19, Number 3 June 2000 What's inside?
|
Delta-Montrose installs nation's first propane fuel cell On April 3, employees of the Delta-Montrose Electric Association made history with the start up of a 10-kilowatt propane-powered fuel cell system at DMEA's corporate headquarters in Montrose, Colo. Built by H Power of Clifton, N.J., this prototype is reputedly the first in the nation outside a laboratory to run on propane, a fuel readily available in areas served by rural electric cooperatives. DMEA's propane fuel cell is the first of a series of units to be installed this spring by rural electric cooperatives working with Energy Co-Opportunities (ECO), a national cooperative created to help distribution organization diversify into new energy services. ECO recently entered into a partnership with H Power, a world leader in fuel cell technology, to bring residential and small commercial fuel cells to RECs and their members. Co-ops a good market "There are many areas in rural America where it is prohibitively expensive to run power lines. Fuel cells offer an economical opportunity to serve these areas with clean, reliable electricity." The spectacular San Juan Range provides a backdrop for the communities served by DMEA. The pristine environment and rugged Rocky Mountain scenery draw residents to the area, and they value and support efforts to sustain its natural beauty. DMEA in the lead "Fuel cells-particularly propane-powered fuel cells-represent an exciting way to continue our mission of providing power to areas not currently served through traditional means. Fuel cells will also provide more options and benefits for all of our members." He added, "Fuel cells also support two important cooperative values-sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship. Our board of directors is especially pleased by the positive environmental aspects of this technology." History of innovation DMEA's latest effort could prove equally valuable to customers. DMEA and other cooperatives could also benefit from fuel cell technology as they seek to serve new loads without building transmission lines. DMEA unveiled its prototype fuel cell to the public on Earth Day, April 22. DMEA will also host a press conference and industry/government forum on fuel cells featuring the H Power/ECO propane fuel cell in the future.
|