Connecticut Energy-Based Economic Development Plans

Zero Emission Bus Implementation Plan

As part of a state effort to identify strategies to expand the availability and use of hydrogen fuel and renewable energy sources, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc., must develop a plan to implement zero emission buses on a state-wide basis. The plan should be completed by December 31, 2010, and include the technological, facility, and financial arrangements necessary to fully implement such a bus fleet, including identifying specific locations for hydrogen fueling stations along state highways and other locations. (Reference House Bill 6649, 2009)

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Promotion

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), with funding from the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), has established a Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition (Coalition). The Coalition works to enhance economic growth through the development, manufacture, and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies and associated fueling systems. The Coalition is made up of representatives from industry, government, academia, labor, and other stakeholders. CCAT prepared and submitted the Plan for Fuel Cell Economic Development, a strategic plan that addresses the status of the hydrogen/fuel cell industry in the state and concludes that hydrogen and fuel cell technology meets the state's pressing energy needs, improves environmental performance, increases economic development, and creates new jobs. CCAT also leads a Partnership Initiative (Initiative) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to promote the use of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in early market applications. The overall goals of the Initiative are to reduce energy costs, improve energy reliability, and to enhance environmental performance. (Reference Connecticut General Statutes 578-32-9vv and 578-32-9ww)

Point of Contact

Joel M. Rinebold
Director of Energy Initiatives
Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology
Phone (860) 291-8832
Fax (860) 291-8874
jrinebold@ccat.us
http://www.chfcc.org