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Local Institutions Receive Funding to Boost Economy With Geothermal Development Projects

October 29, 2009

For Immediate Release

October 29, 2009

Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-8888

Local Institutions Receive Funding to Boost Economy With Geothermal Development Projects

Washington D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced over 3 million dollars in Recovery Act grant funding will go to Connecticut based-institutions for the research and development of an emerging energy source in our nation.The United Technologies Research Center and the University of Hartford will receive funds to support their exploration and development projects related to geothermal technology.

The funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Program, will help support the expansion of the U.S. geothermal sector and create jobs locally and across the nation in a growing industry that is critical to our future economic prosperity.

"From fuel cells to solar power, Connecticut is home to companies and institutions leading the world in the development of clean energy technologies. Geothermal energy has great potential to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. The research and development by UTRC and the University of Hartford in this emerging power source will not only provide power to our schools and homes, but also stimulate our economy and create jobs," said Congressman Larson

Today's announcement by the U.S. Department of Energy provided up to $338 million in Recovery Act funding to support 123 projects in 39 states. The grants will be matched more than one-for-one with an investment of $353 million in private funds, at no cost to the federal government.

United Technologies Research Center

$1,199,928 East Harford, CT

This project will focus on optimization of hybrid?water/air?cooled condenser to reduce water consumption and improve cooling of binary power plants in an enhanced turbine geothermal binary system.

United Technologies Research Center

$1,823,969 East Hartford, CT

This project will identify and test more efficient heat transfer fluids for binary power plants

University of Hartford

$146,973, West Hartford, CT

The University of Hartford will develop an integrated system simulation and design model for hybrid GHP systems designed to effectively balance ground thermal loads.