‘Absolute monstrosity.’ Developers agree to make aesthetic improvements to Bridgeport's $100M clean energy plant
Ganim said he has reached out to developers and they have agreed to make “the necessary aesthetic improvements so the plant can proceed and Bridgeport can benefit from it.”
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim says he supports Hyaxiom Fuel Cells at Charter Oak CHP — a $100 million clean energy project along I‑95 on the South End set to begin operating at the end of the year — but wants its appearance improved before it moves forward.
“The only problem I have with the project is its appearance. It turned out to be an absolute monstrosity, and that is not what we want people to see as they drive through Bridgeport on I‑95 or come through here by rail,” Ganim said Saturday, adding that the project is “otherwise great.”
Developers describe the facility as one of the most innovative renewable energy projects in the country — a combined electrical and thermal loop designed to produce clean electricity and heat by using fuel cells and capturing the thermal energy they generate. Once online, they say the plant will provide electricity for 10,000 households on the South End and heat for the new Bassick High School and the University of Bridgeport.
Councilman Jorge Cruz said he initially supported the project but claims the public was not notified when design requirements set by the Connecticut Siting Council led developers to add 10 feet to the structure’s height, making it visible from I‑95.
“This is not how we want people to see our city — especially as we’re just now getting rid of the old PSEG power plant, which is also located here on the South End,” Cruz said.
But Dan Donovan, head of NuPower LLC — the Connecticut‑based clean‑energy company behind the project — said “many public meetings were held over many years, and every last rule was followed in the spirit of full transparency.”
Ganim said he has reached out to developers and they have agreed to make “the necessary aesthetic improvements so the plant can proceed and Bridgeport can benefit from it.”
