WATT Fuel Cell (“WATT”) today announced significant progress in its commercial expansion strategy with the successful installation of the first 2kW WATT HOME™ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system at the Edward M. Smith National Career and Life Skills Development Center, Hope Gas’s new state-of-the-art training facility in Clarksburg, West Virginia , alongside the initiation of early product shipments that will support residential installations beginning in January 2026.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217298675/en/

WATT HOME™ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system installed at the Hope Gas Edward M. Smith National Career and Life Skills Development Center, in Clarksburg, WV.

These milestones demonstrate WATT’s continued execution on its commercialization roadmap and underscore growing market demand for natural-gas-enabled backup power solutions that enhance grid resiliency across outage-prone regions.

The WATT HOME system has now achieved certification at a 2 kW power rating, validating its strengthened performance profile. The WATT HOME system incorporates the fuel cell, battery, and inverter fully enabling home backup in grid outages. Additionally, WATT HOME systems qualify for up to a 30% ITC under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act improving long-term market adoption economics for this critical clean power source.

Caine Finnerty, WATT’s CEO and Founder shared, “The WATT HOME system’s new 2 kW certification marks a major technical and commercial milestone for our company. It validates the performance capabilities we’ve engineered for years and strengthens our competitive position as we move into multi-year deployment with Hope Gas. With the ITC benefit, we anticipate accelerated adoption and substantial value for customers, utilities, and investors.”

The December 16 installation represents the first field deployment under WATT’s multi-year agreement with Hope Gas - one of the largest residential fuel cell commitments in the United States. The installation within Hope’s state-of-the-art Clarksburg training center validates both product readiness and utility integration as WATT transitions from pre-commercial demonstration into volume deployment.

In January, Hope Gas will roll out its WATT HOME Ambassador Program, implementing early installations to provide direct feedback on the program. “Hope Gas is committed to innovation that serves our customers and strengthens West Virginia. Our Ambassador Program will ensure that the first homes receiving WATT HOME systems mirror the real-world conditions our customers face every day,” said Morgan O’Brien, Hope Gas CEO. The WATT HOME system gives our customers access to cutting-edge energy technology that supports their homes, their safety, and the state’s long-term energy resilience. By 2026, Hope Gas customers across West Virginia will have access to reliable, gas-supported backup power, an important step in strengthening electric reliability and resiliency statewide.”

WATT’s collaboration with Hope Gas is a pivotal growth driver. The initiative plans to deploy 7,250 WATT HOME units across West Virginia over three years, representing the largest committed volume opportunity in WATT’s history.

West Virginia’s frequent electrical outages and extensive natural gas infrastructure create ideal conditions for rapid adoption of natural gas-powered distributed generation. make it ideal for rapid adoption of natural gas-powered generation. The WATT HOME SOFC system activates automatically during grid disruptions, providing reliable, ultra-quiet power, offering an appealing alternative to traditional generators and a power-limited, battery-only solutions.

“Hope Gas is committed to strengthening West Virginia,” said O’Brien. “Our partnership with WATT and these initial installs are just the beginning of the initiative. This program will benefit West Viginia energy, its residents, and our workforce. Hope is proud to partner with WATT to bring this vision to reality.”

About Hope Gas: Hope Gas (www.hopegas.com) is a Local Distribution Company (LDC) that proudly provides gas service to approximately 140,000 residential, industrial, and commercial customers in thirty-eight West Virginia counties. We monitor and maintain over 7000 miles of pipelines that safely deliver West Virginia natural gas to many homes and commercial and industrial sites. We currently employ over 650 employees working right here in our beautiful Mountain State with the sole purpose of staying true to our company’s mission and vision in West Virginia. Learn more at HopeGas.com.

About Hope Utilities: Hope Utilities (www.hopeutilities.com) owns natural gas and water distribution utilities across eight states. We provide service to more than 200,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the communities we serve. We currently operate natural gas utilities in West Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina, and Ohio; and water and wastewater utilities in Arizona, Michigan, and Texas. Hope’s growth strategy is built on being a trusted member of the communities we serve, providing our customers with safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility service. Learn more about Hope at HopeUtilities.com.

About WATT Fuel Cell: WATT Fuel Cell (www.wattfuelcell.com) is a manufacturer and developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (“SOFC”) stacks and systems that operate on common, readily available fuels such as propane and natural gas. WATT’s proprietary, patented additive manufacturing process (AMP) has allowed it to produce commercially viable SOFC products for small-scale and remote power applications. WATT’s Hybrid Power Management system works in tandem with renewable power sources (solar and wind) and energy storage to provide quiet, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible energy solutions prioritizing a return on investment for customers across the globe.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251217298675/en/