Greentech Lead U.S: WATT Fuel Cell Corp., a designer and
developer of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems, has procured $100,000 grant
from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).’
The funding will be used to asses the energy savings
associated with the company’s proprietary process for manufacturing
micro-tubular SOFCs.
According to WATT Fuel Cell director of technology Ben
Emley, the new “Single-Step Process,” or SSP, enables the company to produce
reliable, high-quality SOFC components on a mass scale and at a lower cost than
industry competitors.
“SSP eliminates the need for multiple production steps,
decreases capital equipment requirements and reduces the overall energy
necessary to make the finished product,” said Emley.
“Focusing on product designs and technology platforms
that lend themselves to production at a realistic cost, and which operate on
fuels that the consumer can easily purchase, is key to the future success of
both the company and the industry at-large,” said Dr. Caine Finnerty, WATT Fuel
Cell president.
“Refining and employing the SSP will enable us to improve
the overall performance of our system while substantially reducing cell manufacturing
costs, which equates to a win-win for WATT and the consumer.”
According to Finnerty, establishing WATT Fuel Cell’s
research and production facilities in New York State has buttressed the
company’s growth in numerous ways, including by providing access to NYSERDA
funding.
NYSERDA provided funding to WATT Fuel Cell through its
Innovation in the Manufacturing of Clean Energy Technologies program. The
intent of this program is to assist manufacturers of clean energy technologies
in New York State in using less energy in their production processes, while
also enhancing the viability of the clean energy tech sector in the state.
“NYSERDA is promoting not just clean energy technology
itself, but the ability for a manufacturer to develop new technology more
efficiently,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., NYSERDA president and CEO. “Projects
such as this one underscore Governor Cuomo’s strong support of innovative clean
energy technology that benefits local communities by stimulating economic
development and job creation.”