Fuel-cell technology to back two large-scale residential projects in NY

Eco Factor: Residential building to get power from fuel cells.

After powering many commercial properties with green energy, fuel-cell technology is now set to take over residential buildings as well. New York will soon flaunt one of the first large-scale residential projects powered by fuel cells. Under the projects, two buildings will use fuel cells weighing 60,000 pounds to provide them energy. The fuel cells convert natural gas into hydrogen, and then combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce 400 kilowatts of electricity.

Becker + Becker, the architecture and development firm behind both projects is all set to put the green technology into use for the new 32-story New Haven, Connecticut by next month. The building called the "360 State St." will use the renewable energy to power the common areas and heat and hot water for all the units.

The Octagon building on Roosevelt Island that is expected to go operational in December will not only use fuel-cell energy for heating purposes, but also to provide electricity to all 500 apartments and the day-care center. The firm has put $4 million each to get fuel cells at the two locations and expects to earn in back in just 5 years. Each of them is capable of generating enough energy to power nearly 675 homes, which means it is quite economical compared to other sources.

Via: TheWallStreetJournal