The City of Danbury has accepted an annual donation from FuelCell Energy, which has its global headquarters in the City. A memorandum of Understanding has been approved for contributions to the city for specific municipal or charitable purposes, projects and initiatives.
FuelCell will donate up to $25,000 annually, for at least five years. The agreement will be subject to extension by mutual agreement of the City and the company.
The City would provide the company with information about proposed projects, including purpose, participants and other sources of funding. FuelCell will then review each proposal and decide whether they are applicable. Some of the guidelines outlined in the MOU include that the project not be political in nature and can't conflict with the policies or business of FuelCell. Each project must then include public recognition of FuelCell's contribution.
FuelCell wants to recognize the contributions of the City to FuelCell over the years and to show their intention to be a prominent corporate citizen and employer in the future.
The company has developed a first of its kind, high efficiency fuel cell, installed at 64 Triangle Street. Under state statute, the facility is exempt from personal property taxes. The installation is a showpiece for FuelCell Energy. The company will collect data from it and then research how to improve and refine its products. FuelCell plans to bring prospective customers, lenders and dignitaries from around the world to the installation.
About 45-percent of the workforce is located in Danbury. Executive Vice President Jennifer Arasimowicz is on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
