Apr 8 2008
The state of Ohio is expanding its national leadership role in the fuel cell industry through a multi-million dollar investment recently awarded to Ohio companies creating technological innovations in fuel cell systems and components. Twelve Ohio entities were awarded a total of more than $8.9 million through the Ohio Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program for the advancement of research, production and product commercialization. The investments are expected to bring more than 2,000 jobs to the state.
According to the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment, Ohio is the premier location in the U.S. to develop a business in the advanced energy industry, and these funds will only accelerate innovation and promote economic growth throughout the state.
One of the companies receiving grant funds is Cleveland-based Graftech International Holdings, Inc. Graftech will use the nearly $1 million award to develop and commercialize its GRAFCELL(R) Bipolar Plates for Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell Systems. These GRAFCELL expanded natural graphite flow field plates are found in 85 percent of fuel cell vehicles and 12 of the 14 bus programs worldwide.
"We believe fuel cell technology offers clean advanced energy for now and for the future," said Craig Shular, chief executive officer of GrafTech. "Ohio's dedication to technology innovation coupled with its access to a world-class supply chain and a talented, educated workforce has been vital in building a strong foundation for the widespread application of advanced energy systems."
The entire list of grant recipients can be viewed at the Ohio Department of Development's Web site at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/newsroom/2008PR/releases/1878.asp .
Innovation in Ohio is driven by the state's Third Frontier program, a $1.6 billion initiative to help catalyze connections between companies and academia to support the business development process. This sharing of knowledge often results in unexpected solutions with commercial application.
"Once known for its abundance of blue collar workers, Ohio is now transforming its economy to meet the advanced energy needs of the 21st century. Combined with new programs to educate and train a new generation of green collar workers, Ohio's depth in advanced design, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing combine to create the perfect combination of skill sets and capabilities to make the state a global leader in this rapidly growing industry," said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "Business owners profit from the bottom-line benefits of better work: life balance for their employees. Ohio offers low-cost, low stress communities in a combination of micropolitan and metropolitan cities. This diversity provides executives and employees the resources and time to make any ambition achievable. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance."
Ohio is one of the few places where all phases of fuel cell development take place, from research and development to component suppliers and final product manufacturing, providing a supportive business environment for advanced energy companies.