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EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 20, 2007 – Cabela’s and UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, today announced that the new Cabela’s store at Rentschler Field will receive approximately two-thirds of the required building power from four UTC Power fuel cells to be installed on the site.
“Cabela’s is always looking for ways to contribute in a positive way to improving the overall environment in places where we have our stores,” said Kevin Rhodes, Director of Real Estate for Cabela’s. “It was only natural that we would work with UTC Power to increase on-site electric generation at Rentschler Field while at the same time reducing adverse environmental impacts. Fuel cells are a great technology to achieve these goals for Connecticut, plus they are designed and manufactured in Connecticut.”
“This is an exciting commitment by two of our important corporate citizens to address our region’s energy crisis by deploying green, distributed generation at Rentschler Field,” said East Hartford Mayor Melody Currey. “East Hartford is thrilled about this increased investment in Rentschler Field.”
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that combines hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air to produce electricity, heat and water. Fuel cells operate without combustion, so they are efficient, quiet and virtually pollution-free.
According to UTC Power President Jan van Dokkum, “Compared to conventional power generation sources, these four UTC Power fuel cells will reduce the development’s carbon footprint by 1,800 tons each year while generating electricity and capturing waste heat for use by those who will live, work and play at Rentschler Field. To achieve the same benefits, 380 acres of forest would need to be planted. These fuel cells also will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 7 tons each year, which equates to the same environmental impact as removing 370 cars from the road.”
Another benefit is that the four fuel cells, which will run continuously in conjunction with the utility supply, also will be capable of providing 800 kW of emergency power to keep the store operational if the power grid fails.
Rentschler Field is a 1,000-acre project in East Hartford being developed by UTC and The Matos Group, a local development firm founded by Daniel S. Matos. Home to aircraft engine maker Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies Research Center, the University of Connecticut Division 1A Football Stadium, and now Cabela’s, Rentschler Field will be developed into a world-class technology community where people involved in research, engineering and technologies will work, live and play in a safe, secure and environmentally sustainable place.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides high-technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. Its UTC Power unit in South Windsor, Conn., is a full-service provider of environmentally advanced power solutions. UTC Power is a world leader with nearly 50 years experience in developing and producing fuel cells for on-site power, transportation, space and defense applications, as well as a leader in innovative renewable energy solutions and combined cooling, heating and power solutions for the distributed energy market.
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