Fuel Cell Energy Facility Proposed For Vacant Parcel In Vernon

VERNON, CT — An alternative energy facility has been proposed for a long-vacant parcel at 784 Talcottville Road in Vernon.

The parcel is across Talcottvillle Road from Scranton Motors and was once was home to a recreational vehicle dealership and most recently a Suzuki car dealership but has sat vacant for the better part of 15 years.

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A company called DE Vernon FC LLC, which is associated with Dispatch Energy/Renewables LLC, filed an application (officially Petition No. 1723) with the Connecticut Siting Council to build a facility with 16 natural gas-fueled fuel cells with a combined generating capacity of 4.975 megawatts.

Associated electrical and natural gas infrastructure is part of the plan.

Construction would be on two vacant parcels totaling approximately 3.18 acres, "set farther back" and abutting a conno complex and the old Reminder building on Old Town Road, Vernon Director of Developmental services Shaun Gately said.

A fenced facility would occupy approximately 0.66 acres with access primarily from Old Town Road.

The proposal was selected in 2026 through Connecticut's Shared Clean Energy Facility Program.

The use is permitted in the current zone, Gately said.

Vernon has requested a public hearing on the matter and Citing Counsel officials said it would be discussed at its next meeting this week.

"The Town of Vernon has submitted public comment on the project, asking for the Council to carefully review the project and impose conditions to safeguard local resources, safety and quality of life. The Connecticut Siting Council has placed the item on its Nov. 12 meeting agenda.Residents deserve to know what is being considered and understand the potential impacts," State Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-53) said.

"Whenever the state or another entity takes over land, the town wants to make sure its residents are protected," Gately said.

With all that mentioned, Gately said the facility, termed "grid-side" by the Citing Council, would be a power source with essentially water as it emissions.

Gately added, "There are no ancillary uses associated with the project. It is simply proposed as an alternate energy site."