Clean Power Gains Traction in Connecticut

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund was formed by the Connecticut state legislature in 2000. On Monday, CCEF chose 11 “clean power” projects that will be built under a ratepayer-funded subsidy program and generate about 160 megawatts of electricity.

Seven of the projects would run on fuel cells, a technology that uses hydrogen - typically derived from natural gas - to produce electricity through a chemical reaction. Most of the plants would be in Fairfield County, with the fuel cells and technology to be supplied by Connecticut companies.

The fund a also selected proposals that would burn wood or other biomass fuel sources. One would use a gasification process to burn a mixture of wood and chicken manure, while a similar plant in Plainfield would run solely on wood. A plant powered by landfill gas in the South Norwalk section of Norwalk was also selected, as was a small biomass facility proposed for East Canaan section of North Canaan.

CCEF is run by Connecticut Innovations an investment fund dedicated to developing the state’s technology industry through financing and advising companies and projects that accelerate the deployment of new and innovative technologies.

On the solar front, CCEF offers rebates based on the efficiency of your installation.

The concept of partnering private equity investment and state resources offers a compelling work-around for states and communities looking to reduce or mitigate their reliance on federal funding and initiatives, just another benefit of “buying local.”

connecticut clean energy fund