The Connecticut Science Center later today becomes the first science center or museum in the country to generate the majority of its energy needs on-site with a fuel cell.
At a 1:30 p.m. ceremony, center officials will throw a switch to activate the 200-kilowatt fuel cell built by UTC Power in South Windsor. UTC Power is a division of United Technologies Corp.
The cell will generate nearly all of the electricity demanded by the science center on an annual basis.
During operating hours, the fuel cell provides about two-thirds of the power needed to run the $159 million science center’s exhibits, lights and equipment. When the science center’s power needs dwindle after hours, the fuel cell transfers energy back into the electric power grid, officials said.
Using the fuel cell also will prevent the release of more than 270 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the center said.
