University of Connecticut

A Campus Built on Innovation and Sustainable Power

At the University of Connecticut, leadership in clean energy isn’t theoretical — it’s built directly into the campus infrastructure. HyAxiom’s fuel-cell installation plays a central role in UConn’s long-standing commitment to advancing sustainable energy systems through real-world application. First installed in 2012 and upgraded in 2022, the current 460-kW HyAxiom unit provides clean, resilient power to critical research facilities, offices, and laboratories.

As one of the nation’s earliest universities to fully integrate fuel cells into everyday campus operations, UConn demonstrates how on-site generation can reliably support high-demand environments while reducing carbon emissions and strengthening energy resilience.

Powering Critical Research With Reliable, On-Site Energy

UConn’s fuel cell is strategically dedicated to powering important research loads across multiple buildings, ensuring continuous support for advanced scientific work. With 24/7 power delivery and on-site generation, the system enhances grid stability and provides a dependable backbone for energy-intensive facilities.

The system’s thermal output is equally valuable. Recovered heat is used for space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water, improving overall efficiency and reducing reliance on traditional energy systems.

A Model of the “Living Lab” Approach to Clean Energy

One of UConn’s distinctive strengths is its “living laboratory” philosophy — a commitment to integrating cutting-edge energy technologies directly into campus operations so students, researchers, and industry partners can study them in real time.

Fuel cells have been central to this approach for more than a decade. The university’s Depot Campus operates entirely on fuel-cell power, including a HyAxiom 460-kW unit that delivers up to 1.7 million BTU/hour of useful recovered heat, supporting a wide array of research labs.

This hands-on integration demonstrates the full potential of “lab-to-load” innovation: firm, quiet, grid-smart energy systems powering real buildings under real constraints.

A National Leader in Fuel-Cell Research and Deployment

UConn is widely recognized as a national hub for clean-energy research and education. The university is home to the Center for Clean Energy Engineering (C2E2) and more than 100 faculty members contributing to breakthroughs in hydrogen systems, electrochemistry, sustainable materials, and advanced power generation.

The campus fuel-cell program exemplifies this leadership — proving that commercial-scale fuel-cell systems can reduce emissions, improve reliability, and seamlessly integrate into complex campus environments.

A Scalable Blueprint for Universities Nationwide

With over a decade of operational experience, continuous upgrades, and a proven record of powering mission-critical facilities, UConn’s deployment illustrates exactly how colleges and universities can incorporate fuel cells to strengthen resilience, lower emissions, and support long-term sustainability goals.

HyAxiom is proud to support UConn’s pioneering role in advancing clean-energy innovation — and to help power the next generation of research, education, and discovery.