HAUPPAUGE--The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) today dedicated the first combined use of solar power and fuel cell systems on Long Island. The unique combination of alternative energy technology systems are located at the Local 25 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) headquarters in Hauppauge. The 15 kilowatt (kW) solar power system and 5 k fuel cell unit will provide electric power and domestic hot water to the facility.

LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel was also honored with the Pathfinder Award presented by the U.S. Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) for his efforts in promoting and encouraging the use of clean and renewable technologies such as fuel cells.

"It's becoming increasing apparent that Long Island must decrease its dependency on fossil fuels and expand the use of renewable non-polluting sources of energy," said LIPA Chairman Richard M Kessel. "The use of solar energy, fuel cells, wind power and other renewable technologies will help bring Long Island a little closer to achieving that goal."

The 5k fuel cell system is part of LIPA's on-going Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) research and development program and will operate as part of LIPA's electric grid. The fuel cell, manufactured by Plug Power of Latham, NY, converts the energy of natural gas and an oxidant (air or oxygen) into useable electricity. Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process rather than combustion. No particulate matter, nitrogen or sulfur oxides (NOx or SOx) are produced.

The fuel cell will generate electricity while also providing supplemental domestic hot water to the IBEW facility. In the event of an electrical outage, the fuel cell is capable of operating independent of the electric grid delivering 110 volts at 50amps, to supply electricity to critical loads and emergency lighting throughout the facility.

"I applaud Richard Kessel for having the foresight to promote the advancement of both solar and fuel cell technology," said Donald J. Fiore, Business Manager IBEW Local 25. "The growing use of this type of environmentally friendly power is necessary for us to advance our independence from the growing pollution of fossil fuels. We at Local 25 are committed to staying ahead of the constantly changing field of technology by training our members to install and service all facets of electrical power systems that science will produce."

"This installation is an example of a great partnership and collaborative effort between LIPA, IBEW and Plug Power," said Dr. Roger B. Saillant, Plug Power President and Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to appreciate Chairman Kessel's commitment to helping to advance the commercialization of fuel cells in the State of New York. This commitment will further the movement toward energy independence while promoting economic development on Long Island."

"LIPA's innovative renewable energy initiatives are positioning Long Island as a national leader in clean energy," said Gordian Raacke, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI), the region's only not-for- profit organization devoted exclusively to renewable energy. "Whether it's solar panels or fuel cells, wind turbines or energy efficiency programs, these technologies help us bring pollution-free energy to Long Island while keeping more of our energy dollars in the local economy."

The 15 kW roof-top solar power system consists of 81 photovoltaic panels in a three array configuration that converts sunlight into electricity. The electricity created by the solar panels will help protect Long Island's environment by avoiding the emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels through traditional generating methods. Over the expected life of the solar panels, the electricity generated will displace 563,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, 749 pounds of nitrous oxide and 2,458 pounds of sulfur dioxide.

The solar system was installed by electrician volunteers at the IBEW Local 25. The benefits of this installation include onsite electrical generation for the union hall and provides "a hands on" training center for electricians and apprentices to learn about photovoltaic (PV) and fuel cell technologies. Electricians and apprentices are increasing their skills, knowledge, and awareness of renewable technologies through the installation and demonstration of these technologies.

Local 25 will be incorporating solar and fuel cell system training into their current career training and apprentice programs.

The U.S. Fuel Cell Council (USFCC) honored LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel as a "Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Pathfinder" in recognition of his efforts in leading the acceleration of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies on Long Island.

The USFCC is an industry association of 117 entities dedicated to fostering the development and commercialization of fuel cells in the United States. Members include the world's leading fuel cell developers, manufacturers, suppliers and customers. The Council's Pathfinder Award recognizes Mr. Kessel's commitment to a hydrogen future.

"Your activities in support of the fuel cell industry have been exceptional, and well deserving of recognition," said George Earle, president of the USFCC.

"The Long Island Power Authority, led by Chairman Richard Kessel, has taken a proactive role to facilitate the rapid commercialization of fuel cells," according to the award citation. "LIPA's efforts will be notable as one of the cornerstone programs in the development of fuel cells in the world."

According to the USFCC, "to date 166 fuel cells have been installed and operated by LIPA in Long Island's communities, operating for 1.1 million hours, generating nearly 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity, and demonstrating LIPA's commitment to this technology."

The IBEW solar and fuel cell installations are part of LIPA's ongoing efforts to diversify Long Island's energy supply through LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative (CEI). The CEI is a 10-year $355-million program fostered by Governor George Pataki. The CEI is designed to encourage energy conservation, efficient energy use and the development and use of renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, geothermal and fuel cells.

To learn more about LIPA's Clean Energy Initiative and its alternative energy technology efforts, go to the Authority's Web site at http://www.lipower.org .

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric system on Long Island and provides electric service to nearly 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties, and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA does not own any on-island generation assets and does not provide natural gas service.