The WAM turbine is a state-of-the-art hydro electric system that will offer energy developers a number of attractive features. It is highly efficient; can operate under more diverse river flow conditions than other turbines; can be inexpensively produced, installed, operated and maintained in "run-of-the-river, low head" conditions; and is modular and scalable in design. Additionally, its design is environmentally friendly, utilizing a "fish friendly" propeller and dispensing with hydraulic systems and oil filled gear boxes, which can pose pollution problems in other hydro electric turbine systems. In short, the WAM turbine will enable energy developers to efficiently and cost-effectively harness a river's renewable energy while remaining environmentally friendly.

"We look forward to seeing how this new state-of-the-art hydro electric turbine will perform in a real-world setting" said Lise Dondy, president of CCEF. "It is through our support of innovative technology like this one that CCEF is able to foster the development of new clean energy technologies that will help create non-fossil fuel based energy for the future." Dondy added, "With a potential of nearly 4,000 small and micro hydro sites in the New England area, hydro is a potentially large renewable energy resource in the region - one that has remained relatively untapped."

Sam Shifrin, WAM president of engineering, noted that "by using modern high-tech engineering, design and evaluation software, we were able to combine technologies in ways that had not yet been done. The participation of CCEF will allow us to finalize development of this equipment which will make it economically feasible to potentially unleash enough renewable, clean energy to power nearly 800,000 homes in New England alone."

Chris Ramm, WAM president of operations, said, "To have a product that provides real societal benefits and, at the same time, creates opportunities for high-tech, legitimate manufacturing positions here in the State of Connecticut is very, very exciting."

About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)
CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public organization. CCEF promotes the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies; the creation of clean energy supply; and the demand for electricity from clean, renewable sources in Connecticut in order to strengthen Connecticut's economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF's funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers' utility bills. For more information on CCEF, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

About Connecticut Innovations, Inc.
Connecticut Innovations (CI) is a quasi-public organization dedicated to driving a vibrant, entrepreneurial, technology-based economy in Connecticut. CI stimulates high-tech growth by investing in: early-stage Connecticut technology companies; university/industry research collaborations; technology transfer; and, clean energy initiatives through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CI also fosters collaboration among government, business, nonprofit and academic organizations to advance technology growth and promotes public policies consistent with CI's mission. For more information on CI, please visit www.ctinnovations.com.