Fuel Cell Initiative

This initiative is no longer active; however, the Large Onsite Renewables Initiative will extend feasibility and design and construction grants to expand the use of large renewable energy generation systems (more than 10 kW in size).

The primary objective of the Fuel Cell Initiative was to promote the use of commercially available fuel cells in applications that require high reliability and/or power quality. Fuel cell systems are expected to directly benefit users by reducing business losses that stem from power disruptions.

Fuel-cell based systems offer substantial public and commercial benefits including environmental benefits, particularly when used in cogeneration applications, increased grid reliability in infrastructure-constrained urban areas, and a supply of reliable power to operate critical facilities. In addition, increased demand for these systems may lead to economic growth and diversification in Massachusetts.

Barriers facing the use of fuel cells in Massachusetts include limited consumer awareness, high operating and maintenance costs, grid interconnection issues, service infrastructure development, and regulatory hurdles.

The Trust's Fuel Cell Initiative funded a series of feasibility studies and installation of a 250 kW fuel cell at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station on Cape Cod.