Bridgeport Powers Ahead: Fuel Cell Project to Heat the City and Energize Thousands

By Dan Onofrio, CEO/President

A new chapter in Bridgeport’s clean energy future is breaking ground — and it’s making waves across the region.

Construction is officially underway on a transformative $80 million fuel cell heat and power plant near I-95, with the potential to heat dozens of buildings and power the equivalent of 8,500 homes annually. The project is not just about energy — it’s about investment in our future, right here in the heart of Bridgeport.

As originally reported by Kenneth R. Gosselin of the Hartford Courant, this long-anticipated project — the Charter Oak Combined Heat and Power Project — represents a decade of vision, partnership, and persistence.

Clean Energy With Local Impact

This isn’t your average energy development. The 9.6-megawatt fuel cell system, developed by New Jersey-based Scale Microgrids and Easton’s own NuPower, will:


  • Heat nearly 20 buildings at the University of Bridgeport
  • Provide hot water and heating to a new city high school
  • Support a local medical waste company’s operations
  • Feed clean electricity back into the grid via United Illuminating


What makes it special? The fuel cells convert natural gas into hydrogen through a combustion-free electrochemical process, reducing emissions and creating usable heat and power from a compact, high-efficiency system.


“This is certainly a project that we are very excited about,” said Daniel Forero, VP of Capital Markets at Scale Microgrids. “Connecticut is a state where we’ve been expanding our presence — this project is part of that long-term strategy.”

Cleaner Air, Stronger Community

Bridgeport has historically faced challenges with air quality and respiratory health. The Charter Oak Project aims to help change that narrative by cutting 2,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases per year, according to NuPower co-founder J. Scott Guilmartin.

It’s also a financial win: the project site — once generating just over $3,000 in property taxes annually — will now contribute $240,000 per year in payments to the city.

Economic Growth Meets Environmental Goals

The project aligns closely with Connecticut’s updated climate targets: a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050. But this initiative also speaks directly to BRBC’s mission: fostering local economic development, innovation, and long-term resilience.

From new jobs and infrastructure investments to the replacement of UB’s aging boilers with a more efficient, lower-cost solution, this project is a signal that Bridgeport is building smart, sustainable, and strong.

And local businesses are part of the solution. HyAxiom, based in East Hartford, will manufacture and operate the fuel cells — another example of how Connecticut companies are leading the charge.

A Decade in the Making

Back in 2014, NuPower, the City of Bridgeport, and United Illuminating first envisioned this concept. The road wasn’t easy — regulatory reviews, neighborhood concerns, and pandemic delays all played a role. But thanks to community collaboration and support from groups like the Connecticut Green Bank, which provided a $400,000 pre-construction loan, the project is now a reality in motion.


“This is very similar to geothermal, except our heat source is a fuel cell,” said Guilmartin, who continues to consult on the project.

Why It Matters for BRBC Members

This is more than a power plant — it’s a model for regional innovation. It brings together private capital, public good, environmental responsibility, and educational institutions — all with a focus on strengthening the local economy.

For BRBC members, this project highlights:


  • The business opportunities in clean energy and infrastructure
  • The importance of strategic, long-term planning
  • How public-private partnerships can revitalize underused urban spaces

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Bridgeport is not just adapting to the future — we’re helping build it.

Based on reporting by Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant. Full article available here.