Silicon Valley of advanced energy?

By: Marlon Cheatham, Brand Manager, Ohio Business Development Coalition

Ohio is committed to leading the world to energy independence with advanced energy innovation, a recently passed Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS), groundbreaking manufacturing processes, an unmatched advanced energy supply chain and low-cost deployment of these assets to fulfill current and future global demand for alternative energy solutions. Ohio’s AEPS means that 25 percent of the state’s electricity must come from advanced or alternative sources by 2025. The plan also calls for investments totaling $150 million ($66 million for clean coal and $84 million for non-coal technology projects) for business development in energy production, delivery and storage and supply chain.

Currently, a majority of Ohio’s electricity comes from burning coal while less than ten percent of Ohio’s energy comes from renewable sources. Meeting Ohio’s increasing demand for energy through advanced or alternative sources would result in more jobs, higher salaries and a boost for Ohio’s local economies.

There are over 1,000 businesses across Ohio already involved in the renewable energy supply chain. Ohio companies are involved in the production of raw materials, manufacturing of component parts, installation of renewable energy systems, and operation and maintenance of wind turbines. Additionally, Ohio ranks No. 1 in the nation for renewable and advanced energy, bringing in more new facility projects than any other state between 2005 and 2007.

A 2008 report, released by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts, notes that many of Ohio's manufacturing workers can easily be transferred to green manufacturing jobs, and that 551,000 workers in Ohio could see new job opportunities and wage increases from the growth of environmentally friendly industries.

Toledo glass maker Pilkington bought a Toledo company and retooled it for manufacturing for solar power components two years ago. As a result, the solar division has grown 40 percent annually. Cleveland based Parker Hannifin, the world leader in motion and control technologies, has been investing heavily to repurpose its expertise to lead the way in advanced energy technology that can be applied to the commercialization of hydraulic systems developed for use in wind turbines. FirstEnergy Corp. recently announced plans to convert a coal-fired power plant along the Ohio River to burn biomass at an estimated cost of $200 million. The company will repower its R.E. Burger Plant in Shadyside, Ohio, making it one of the largest biomass facilities in the United States.

Ohio’s wind, biomass, fuel cell and solar energy potential, manufacturing base and technological know-how provide the right combination of resources for Ohio to become a leader in the development of clean, renewable energy. Diversifying our electricity mix would create more jobs, provide a bigger boost to our economy and make Ohio more energy independent.

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• Published under Ohio Business Climate Improvement, Region 10 - East Central Ohio, Region 2 - Northwest Ohio, Region 8 - Northern Ohio