Friday, June 6, 2008

DOE picks UTC power to lead $22M fuel cell alliance

By Mass High Tech Staff

UTC Power, a South Windsor, Conn.-based division of United Technologies Corp., has landed the lead position in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance program (SECA).

The two-year project, valued at more than $22 million, is among the largest DOE projects ever awarded to UTC Power, according to the company.

The goal of SECA, which was established in 2000, is to research and develop low-cost, modular fuel-flexible solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems by 2010. The immediate project will focus on the design of a sub-scale, proof-of-concept system, including the development of manufacturing capabilities and the fabrication of a test unit.

UTC Power will partner with Michigan-based Delphi Corp. on the program. Additional partners, including dutch materials maker Topsoe Fuel Cells, will also provide technology to the project.

UTC Power focuses on fuel cells and power sources for on-site power, transportation, space and defense applications, as well heating and power products for the distributed energy market.

Across its six operating segments, Hartford, Conn.-based United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) employs more than 225,000 people worldwide. It reported $55 billion in revenue in 2007, with a net profit of $4.2 billion.