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Johnson Controls pitches $7.2M fuel‑cell project to Seymour; board requests more data
Summary
Johnson Controls presented a design‑build fuel‑cell proposal for town and school buildings — a 650 kW system estimated at $7.2 million with a 12.4‑year simple payback; board members asked for the slide deck, procurement guidance, a glossary and examples of nearby deployments and took no vote.
Johnson Controls presented a proposal to install a 650 kilowatt solid‑oxide fuel‑cell installation capable of powering town and school buildings while stabilizing utility costs, the company said. The presenter described a 20‑year financial model with a $7.2 million project cost, a 12.4‑year simple payback and a projected positive cash flow over 20 years.
“Over a 20‑year period, the fuel cell will make electric cost predictable… the project has a simple payback of 12.4 years,” the Johnson Controls representative said during the presentation. The proposal included two 325 kW ‘energy servers’ (650 kW total), manufacturer O&M coverage assumptions and the possibility of using WPCA biogas from digesters if site conditions allow.
Why it matters: If pursued, the project could reduce utility volatility across municipal buildings and create a municipally controlled energy source; the board emphasized procurement, financing and procurement‑compliance considerations before any commitment.
Board questions and concerns: Selectpersons asked for a copy of the slide deck, a glossary of technical terms, references to nearby deployments (the presenter said roughly 80 statewide), and more detail on lifespan, maintenance and the contract structure. Bob (board member) asked about stack lifespan and how O&M would preserve the projected 52% efficiency; the presenter said O&M would be part of the contract and modular design allows isolated servicing.
Procurement and legal guidance: First Select Woman Draonus (municipal counsel and board members) said the town must consider procurement rules and whether a competitive process is required for a design‑build, energy‑services contract. The board did not take action and asked the presenter to provide materials and to return for follow‑up once members had time to review the financial workbook and procurement options.
Technical notes in the presentation: presenter described a solid‑oxide fuel cell that runs on natural gas today and is “future‑proof” for green hydrogen conversion, generates continuous baseload power with low noise and limited water use on startup, and the proposed configuration (two energy servers) yields 650 kW total. The financial slide pack summarized first‑year energy savings (~$691,400) and a possible $6.8 million positive cash flow over 20 years under the model assumptions.
What’s next: The board requested the slide deck and financial documents, asked Johnson Controls for local references and a glossary of terms, and flagged procurement review as a required next step; no vote or commitment was made.
