Ohio is major player in emerging fuel-cell industry | The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio is major player in emerging fuel-cell industry | The Columbus Dispatch

The Breakthrough Technologies Institute, a Washington-based nonprofit group dedicated to advancing environmentally friendly energy solutions, just came out with its “Top Five Fuel-Cell States” — and Ohio is on the list.

While the distinction might lack the cachet of a top spot in, say, the Associated Press’ preseason college football poll, it is significant, state officials and fuel-cell industry leaders say.

“Ohio is one of the few places in the world where all phases of fuel-cell development take place,” said Mike McKay, manager of the Ohio Department of Development’s Technology Business Assistance Office.

“It’s no wonder Ohio is quickly becoming an attractive location for a full spectrum of fuel-cell-related companies.”

The Breakthrough Technologies Institute, established in 1993, issued the top-five ranking as part of its “Fuel Cells 2000” initiative. Also on the list were California, Connecticut, New York and South Carolina.

Ohio has invested more than $80 million in fuel-cell technology through its Third Frontier program, said Pat Valente, executive director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition, a Cleveland-based organization with more than 80 members.

That funding, he said, has resulted in the creation or retention of more than 430jobs, with an average annual salary of $68,431.