Blumenthal Announces $1.59 Million for Innovative Connecticut Clean Energy Projects

[HARTFORD, CT] –U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today announced $1.59 million in federal funds for Raytheon Technologies Corporation to improve the energy efficiency of hydrogen-fueled turbines that may one day be used in clean power plants.

Raytheon Technologies Corporation’s Pratt & Whitney Division received $799,673 from the U.S. Department of Energy for a project on a water vapor resistant composite for hydrogen based turbines. Raytheon’s Research Center in East Hartford also received $799,490 from DOE for a project on predictive modeling investigating steam-mediated degradation of environmental barrier coatings in hydrogen-fueled turbines.

The projects will focus on the research and development of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components, which allow hydrogen turbines to operate at higher working temperatures, ultimately improving cycle efficiency. These improvements will lead to increased turbine efficiency, ultimately resulting in reduced electricity costs, as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions as clean hydrogen displaces natural gas as the turbine fuel. 

“The climate crisis is already upon us and this research will be transformative for the clean energy industry. Connecticut ingenuity has led the way for innovations from the humble Frisbee to this new technology that will increase turbine efficiency, lower the cost of electricity for consumers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I am thrilled to see Raytheon receive this support from the Department of Energy and I promise to keep fighting for more funds to bolster Connecticut’s clean energy sector,” Blumenthal said.

“Partnerships with public agencies such as the Department of Energy have a vital role to play towards developing and maturing technologies that could have an impact on reducing the environmental impact of emissions. For nearly 100 years, Pratt & Whitney has been at the forefront of innovating cutting-edge technologies to continually advance the efficiency of aircraft engines using advanced materials, and we are looking forward to developing CMC materials capable of operating at higher temperatures than what is available today, contributing to greater fuel efficiency in turbines,” said Graham Webb, Pratt & Whitney chief sustainability officer.

A full breakdown of the projects can be found here.                         

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