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FOLSOM, N.J. -- The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and South Jersey Industries formally marked a unique partnership on Thursday with the dedication of the College's new $1.3 million fuel cell unit.
SJI and Stockton were joined by local government officials, business leaders and representatives of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which presented Stockton with a $710,000 NJ Clean Energy program check during the ribbon cutting ceremony on the Pomona campus. The event celebrated the installation of the gas-powered, 200-kilowatt unit, which effectively reduces energy costs by generating electricity and hot water for buildings in the campus academic complex. Stockton's fuel cell works by generating electricity by extracting hydrogen from natural gas. The gas is converted to hydrogen and a much smaller amount of carbon dioxide than in traditional systems.
In remarks prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, SJI President and COO, Edward Graham spoke about the importance of green technology. "SJI is happy to be part of what some are heralding as the new age of electrical power distribution. This fuel cell project and the benefits it brings to the college and the state open the door to new and creative ways to produce energy in a cost-effective and clean manner. I hope others will look into using this power source as a building block for future energy needs in Atlantic County and in New Jersey."
South Jersey Energy, a subsidiary of
South Jersey Industries, provided and installed the United Technology Corporation
model PC25 fuel cell power plant. The installation included all design, connection
to gas lines and to heating, hot water, and electrical systems, maintenance,
start-up and operator training. This unit is the first large fuel cell of its
kind installed in the region and will serve as a demonstration site for Stockton
students, visiting students and industry officials.
"We're extremely pleased that South Jersey Industries and the New Jersey
Board of Public Utilities have made it possible for Stockton to build on its
record as an innovator in 'green' technology," said Richard Hale, interim
vice president for administration, finance and institutional advancement.
"This project serves not only as a great example of environmentally friendly energy sources, but also of a partnership between state government, an educational institution and a public utility."
The unit is expected to provide an average of 10 percent of the College's overall electricity needs. With an annual energy savings of $81,383, the college will recoup its investment in less than four years.
South Jersey Industries (NYSE: SJI) is an energy services holding company for South Jersey Gas, South Jersey Energy, South Jersey Resources Group, LLC and Marina Energy LLC. To learn more about SJI and its subsidiaries, visit www.sjindustries.com on the web..
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