Bloom Energy gets legislative support in Delaware

An alternative energy company is one step closer to moving into the old Chrysler site in Newark, following approval of an incentive bill in the state Senate.

The measure introduced earlier this week, and approved by the full Senate on Thursday, calls for energy created by Bloom Energy’s fuel cells manufactured in Delaware to be counted as part of Delmarva Power’s renewable energy requirements.

Last week, Delaware Governor Jack Markell announced Bloom Energy’s plans to manufacture fuel cells in Newark.  The move could create 1,500 jobs at the plant and in supporting businesses.  

The legislation that’s now moving to the House would also set up rules for the Delaware Public Service Commission to review Delmarva Power’s actions to recover costs associated with connecting to Bloom’s fuel cells.  Delmarva has said it will generate 30 megawatts of power through fuel cells.

“There’s still plenty of work to do, and we look forward to doing it, and especially we look forward to seeing those folks, those Delawareans employed at the new science and technology center in Newark,” says Markell.

The measure is part of an $11.2 million incentive package to lure the California-based company to the First State.  It’s expected to be voted on in the state House next week.