Sec. 32-9ww. Fuel cell economic development plan. Reports.

      Sec. 32-9ww. Fuel cell economic development plan. Reports. The Department of Economic and Community Development shall contract with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology to develop a plan for fuel cell economic development, in consultation with the Connecticut Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Coalition, the Renewable Energy Investment Fund, established pursuant to subsection (c) of section 16-245n, and other appropriate state agencies. The plan shall include a strategy to (1) facilitate the commercialization of hydrogen-based technologies and fuel cells; (2) enhance energy reliability and security; (3) promote the improved efficiency and environmental performance of transportation and electric generation with reduced emissions, reduced greenhouse gases, more efficient use of nonrenewable fuels and increased use of renewable and sustainable fuels; (4) facilitate the installation of infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, transportation and fueling capability; (5) disseminate information regarding the benefits of hydrogen-based technologies and fuel cells; (6) develop strategies to retain and expand hydrogen and fuel cell industries in Connecticut; (7) in consultation with the Department of Transportation, identify areas within the state transportation system that would benefit from the integration of potential mass transit and fleet transit locations with hydrogen or natural gas and hydrogen mixture refueling stations; and (8) in consultation with electric and natural gas service providers, identify areas in the electric and natural gas distribution system of the state that would benefit from the development of distributed generation through hydrogen or fuel cell technology as a reliability asset necessary for voltage control, grid security, or system reliability, or for the provision of required uninterruptible service at customer sites. On or before January 1, 2007, the department shall submit a preliminary report, in accordance with section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to commerce on the progress of the plan, and on or before January 1, 2008, shall submit a final report, in accordance with section 11-4a, on such plan to said committee.

      (P.A. 06-187, S. 64.)

      History: P.A. 06-187 effective May 26, 2006.