Bloom EnergyCorp. has started construction on an 800-kW microgrid system withhelp from Constellation EnergyGroup Inc.

The microgrid will be powered by fuel cells and will sellits electricity to the city of Hartford, Conn., under a 15-year contract,according to an April 13 news release. The system is scheduled for completionlater this year.

Constellation, an ExelonCorp. subsidiary, is in charge of engineering, procurement,construction and operation of the system that will power the ParkvilleElementary School, Dwight Branch Library, Parkville Senior Center and CharterOak Health Center during non-emergency operations; in the event of an electricgrid outage, the system will power these locations in addition to a local fuelstation and a grocery store.

Excess electricity will reduce power costs at the BulkeleyHigh School, Hartford High School, Weaver High School and the Sport and MedicalSciences Academy.

The project is implemented through the ConnecticutDepartment of Energy & Environmental Protection's microgrid grant programand is part of the state's low-emission renewable energy credits program.