Overview

Based in Danbury, CT (USA), FuelCell Energy (Nasdaq: FCEL) manufactures ultra-clean stationary fuel cell power plants that generate electricity with up to twice the efficiency of conventional fossil fuel plants – and with virtually no air pollution. With more than 30 years of experience, we are recognized as a global leader in the manufacture and commercialization of stationary electric power generation. FuelCell Energy owns and operates a manufacturing plant in Torrington, Connecticut, with a capacity of up to 90 MW per year. FuelCell Energy's Danbury, Connecticut headquarters acts as the nerve center for the company's commercial, industrial, and grid-support applications. Danbury is also the hub for the company’s GTAC (Global Technical Assistance Center) which remotely monitors and operates DFC power plants worldwide. The company’s Direct FuelCell^® (DFC^®) power plants have generated over 900 million kW hours of electricity and currently has over 50 installations worldwide. Contact us today and turn your electrical requirements into a powerful competitive advantage.

Company History

FuelCell Energy traces its roots back to 1969 and the founding of Energy Research Corporation (ERC) by early fuel cell pioneer Bernard Baker and Martin Klein, a chemical engineer that was an expert in advanced battery technologies. The company focused on conducting research to commercialize fuel cell technology. ERC also conducted advanced battery research, but spun off its battery efforts as a seperate company in 1999 and renamed itself FuelCell Energy.

In the 1970's, with funding from the U.S. military and utility companies, the company conducted extensive research into low-temperature fuel cells as well as silver-zinc battery cells. In the 1980's and 1990's the company switched its focus to high-temperature carbonate fuel cell systems which offered greater commercial possibilities due to the ability to internally reform readily available fuels into the hydrogen required by the fuel cell.

A major milestone for the company was reached in 1992 when it successfully demonstrated a 120 kilowatt (kW) high temperature carbonate fuel cell system.  The company went public with an initial stock offering that raised $6.5 million. The company continued to improve its patented Direct FuelCell^® (DFC^®) technology, and in 1996 a 2 megawatt (MW) DFC power plant went online in Santa Clara, California.

In 1997, Bernard Baker decided that the company needed a more commercially-oriented leader and appointed Jerry Leitman to the position of CEO. With Leitman at the helm, and Baker able to pursue his own passion, research & development, the company continued to thrive. R. Daniel Brdar started with the Company in 2000 and was appointed CEO in 2005 and Chairman in 2007.  Mr. Brdar's leadership and drive during his tenure with the Company transitioned FuelCell Energy from an R&D operation to a global commercial fuel cell products company.

In early 2010, Mr. Brdar hired Chip Bottone as Chief Commercial Officer to expand sales and marketing.  In early 2011, Mr. Bottone was promoted to President and CEO as part of the management succession plan.  With extensive experience in power generation and global management responsibilities, Mr. Bottone is well qualified to grow existing and new market opportunities for the Company.

 FuelCell Energy is a leader in the development and manufacture of stationary fuel cell power plants for commercial, industrial, government, and utility applications.