| FuelCellStocks.Com Fuel Cell News July 29, 2005 Schwarzenegger at Sierra Nevada Brewery Fuel Cell
Dedication
With the promise of more investment in hydrogen power statewide, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visited nearby Chico Thursday and lavished praise on the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and founder Ken Grossman's venture into the land of hydrogen. Schwarzenegger was guest of honor during an unofficial dedication of Sierra Nevada's four hydrogen-powered fuel cell power plant, which is the largest commercial installation in the state. Installed in March, the 1-megawatt fuel cell plant cleanly produces nearly all the base load electricity needs for the Chico brewery at about half the cost. "More businesses need to realize that hydrogen power is good for the bottom line ..." and good for the environment, said Schwarzenegger, addressing more than 100 who gathered at Sierra Nevada's Big Room in an invitation-only event. Schwarzenegger said his budget adds $6.5 million "to move California closer to the hydrogen highway..." including provisions for the further study of hydrogen as a power source, including hydrogen auto fueling stations. "Congratulations to Ken Grossman and his team for being in the forefront ..." The governor complimented Sierra Nevada for Grossman's foresight in moving the brewery away from traditional power and to a more environmentally friendly form. Sierra Nevada's fuel cells combine oxygen and hydrogen from natural gas, resulting in the creation of water and electrical power with almost no air pollution or noise. Hydrogen power is being heralded as the clean, noncombusting energy source for the future. Sierra Nevada also has received state awards for its recycling programs involving cardboard, glass and spent mash. Schwarzenegger called hydrogen the most abundant element in the universe, unlimited and almost emission free. In introducing the governor, Grossman said his message is that a business can conduct itself with sustainability and core values in mind. Sandwiching a visit between fundraising stops in Redding and Yuba City, Schwarzenegger was whisked from the airport to Sierra Nevada, where Grossman gave him a tour of the fuel cell plant and the brewery. Substituting for vacationing Mayor Scott Gruendl, Chico vice mayor Maureen Kirk toured the fuel cell with the governor and Grossman, along with an entourage of more than 20 members of his staff, other businesses related to the fuel cells and leaders. Kirk welcomed the governor, saying he had kept his promise to cities and counties through Proposition 1A, which guarantees local governments their government funding, and the return of vehicle license fees earlier than expected after taking them during the budget crisis. She also complimented the governor for restoring Proposition 42 funding, also taken during the budget crunch, which is the gas sales tax for transportation. Kirk also complimented Sierra Nevada for its contribution to the local economy through good-paying jobs and benefits. Noting the birthplace of beer in Austria and Germany, Schwarzenegger gauged Sierra Nevada "as one of the most fantastic breweries I've ever seen. It's so clean." He also complimented the beer, thanking Grossman for a sample. "I love the beer. The beer tastes good!" Keeping his remarks brief, Schwarzenegger exited the big Sierra Nevada stage, walking out in the audience to shake hands before exiting through the kitchen. With an option to buy the plant later, Sierra Nevada purchases the fuel cell power through an agreement between Alliance Power of Littleton, Colo. and FuelCell Energy of Danbury, Conn., which oversee the fuel cells. The brewery expects to save $400,000 a year on energy costs because of the fuel cells. Helping as well were the U.S. Department of Defense Climate Change Fuel Cell Program, which provided $1 million for the fuel cell project, and incentive money from the California Public Utilities Commission channeled through PG&E. PG&E senior vice president of policy Daniel Richard Jr. offered Sierra Nevada owner Grossman an oversized incentive check for nearly $2.5 million Thursday. Richard noted that PG&E has distributed more than $100 million to customers for alternative energy programs such as solar, co-generation and fuel cells.
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