Fuel Cell Works Supplemental News Page

**Grand Valley State Univesity Energy Center One-of-a-kind**
Publication date: 24-April-2004 Source: LA TImes
MUSKEGON -- The City of Muskegon is now home to one of the most unique buildings in the world: a first-of-it's-kind renewable energy center. From the parking lot to the power outlets, it's a facility that was designed to protect the environment. It's one of only 10 buildings in the nation to get a gold rating, recognized as a leader in environmental design. The key is a carbonate fuel cell. Natural gas goes in and electricity and mostly clean emissions come out. Sounds like science fiction right? "Because its not done," said George Cutro, the Engineering Manager. "Not because the science isn't there, the science has existed for some time to do this, its just a matter of putting in place, having the public aware of it and watching it grow." But it's not just the fuel cell. The building has solar panels on the roof, floors made with recycled tires, even more windows instead of lights. Outside there's dune grass to cut down on watering and a small parking lot to reduce the concrete use. The Alernative and Renewable Energy Center is the first ever to combine all of these technologies in one place. "I think we're going to be bringing in hundreds of thousands of people to Muskegon to see one of the most unique set-ups in the world,"said GVSU President Mark Murray. The facility is also a smartzone, to attract high tech businesses that promote the building's Earth-friendly philosophy. They're also hoping that eventually "biomass," or animal waste, will be used instead of natural gas to power the fuel cell. That would mean the building would be completely independent. ~

MUSKEGON -- The City of Muskegon is now home to one of the most unique buildings in the world: a first-of-it's-kind renewable energy center.

From the parking lot to the power outlets, it's a facility that was designed to protect the environment. It's one of only 10 buildings in the nation to get a gold rating, recognized as a leader in environmental design.

The key is a carbonate fuel cell. Natural gas goes in and electricity and mostly clean emissions come out. Sounds like science fiction right?

"Because its not done," said George Cutro, the Engineering Manager. "Not because the science isn't there, the science has existed for some time to do this, its just a matter of putting in place, having the public aware of it and watching it grow."

But it's not just the fuel cell. The building has solar panels on the roof, floors made with recycled tires, even more windows instead of lights. Outside there's dune grass to cut down on watering and a small parking lot to reduce the concrete use.

The Alernative and Renewable Energy Center is the first ever to combine all of these technologies in one place. "I think we're going to be bringing in hundreds of thousands of people to Muskegon to see one of the most unique set-ups in the world,"said GVSU President Mark Murray.

The facility is also a smartzone, to attract high tech businesses that promote the building's Earth-friendly philosophy. They're also hoping that eventually "biomass," or animal waste, will be used instead of natural gas to power the fuel cell. That would mean the building would be completely independent.