Hogan, Fedele, Williams Announce New Members of UConn's Sustainable Energy Team

December 9, 2008

HARTFORD, CT - UConn President Michael Hogan, Lt. Governor Michael Fedele and Senate President Donald Williams today announced that the University of Connecticut has hired six top alternative energy researchers under the state's 21st Century Jobs Act - including the new director of UConn's Global Fuel Cell Center.

The 21st Century Jobs Act became law in 2006 and $4 million in state funding was provided to create a public-private partnership called the Eminent Faculty program, which has enabled UConn to hire national experts in alternative energy technology. The program was designed to attract researchers skilled in commercialization and technology transfer to UConn to promote economic development and help foster a training ground for the 21st century energy workforce and entrepreneurs in the state. In addition to hiring new faculty members and their research teams, the program also allows UConn to purchase equipment for their laboratories.

As part of the partnership, UTC, the Northeast Utilities Foundation and FuelCell Energy, Inc. contributed a combined $2 million as an industry match.

"The Eminent Faculty program has given Connecticut the opportunity to provide national leadership in the development of sustainable and environmentally-sound energy alternatives," said UConn President Michael Hogan. "This new research team in sustainable energy will build upon the strength of UConn's Global Fuel Cell Center and bolster Connecticut's emerging alternative energy industry. We owe a great deal of thanks to our elected representatives here as well as our generous corporate partners."

"Connecticut has taken significant steps to remain at the forefront of the hydrogen and fuel cell industry," said Lieutenant Governor Fedele. "With UCONN's Eminent Faculty program, students will graduate as highly trained professionals in a cutting edge industry. Governor Rell's commitment to the program underscores the importance of this partnership with our flagship university. Currently twenty percent of the fuel cell industry's workforce is located here in Connecticut. This program will only help grow the workforce and encourage economic development."

The initiative is also expected to help Connecticut meet the state's goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption by 20% and replacing it with clean or renewable energy sources by 2020.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michael Kirk, UConn Communications (860-486-0715)
Laura Fanelli, Lt. Governor's office (860-524-7317)
Derek Slap, Senate Democrats (860-240-8641)