United Technologies unit to furnish fuel cells

UTC Power, a business of industrial conglomerate United Technologies Corp., said Wednesday it will supply two fuel cell systems for electricity and heat for a New York production facility of Coca-Cola Enterprises.

The fuel cells will generate enough energy and heat for 30 percent of the plant's operations in Elmsford, N.Y., and will be a backup source of power.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided $2 million for the project, which is intended to showcase the energy and environmental benefits of fuel cell technology and combined heat and power.

The state funding is to UTC Power, which helps the South Windsor, Conn., company offset the cost of installing the fuel cells and reduce what it charges to Coca Cola Enterprises in a lease for the fuel cells, said Bob Tierney, manager of business development and strategic planning for UTC Power's stationary fuel cell business.

Shares of Hartford, Conn., based United Technologies, which also owns Sikorsky Aircraft, Otis elevator and jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney, rose 25 cents to $52.21 in afternoon trading. Coca-Cola Enterprises increased 52 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $17.17.