Ohio: The Global Center of Fuel Cell Technology and Innovation

America’s growing demand for alternative energy sources has intensified the quest for commercially viable fuel cell technology. As a longtime leader in the energy industry, Ohio is aggressively supporting fuel cell technology businesses with economic development incentives and coordinated research and commercialization efforts in order to propel them farther, faster in the global marketplace.

With Ohio’s innovative mix of public and private support, fuel cell companies have more business-building resources readily available to them. Unique partnerships between technology leaders and top universities are advancing fuel cell research and commercial applications, helping more businesses compete and prosper. Additional support from multiple programs and groups, such as the Ohio Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program, serves as a critical touchstone for the industry, providing access to capital, coordinating resources and promoting new business ventures.

The Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition is a major driver of Ohio’s fuel cell economy. As the largest state fuel cell association in the nation, the coalition has more than 80 members including industry, academic, and non-profit organizations that include: Battelle, Edison Welding Institute, NexTech Materials, Honda, Rolls Royce, Crown Equipment, GrafTech, Case Western Reserve University and The Ohio State University.

Ohio’s direct economic support for the fuel service industry is augmented by pro-business tax reform and aggressive advanced energy policies. Ohio is Best in the Midwest for taxes, eliminating taxation for inventory, corporate income, investments in machinery and equipment and products sold to consumers outside of Ohio. In addition, the first $1 million in gross receipts are tax-free. Ohio’s Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) is among the most aggressive policies in the U.S., ensuring a strong commitment to new energy businesses for many decades to come.

Through innovative programs and policies, Ohio has become widely recognized as a global leader in the fuel cell sector. Ohio has the greatest concentration of applied fuel cell technology in the world and is one of the few places where all phases of fuel cell development can be found, from research and development, to component supply, to final product manufacturing.

Yet, Ohio’s success is not solely dependent on the strength of its business advantages. Today’s industry leaders have made Ohio a top choice to pursue their personal goals, as well. Ohio offers employees and their families a very competitive cost of living, a richly diverse culture and numerous entertainment and recreation opportunities. Find out why Ohio is the State of Perfect Balance for achieving your personal and professional goals.

Global Leader in Fuel Cell Technology Supported by Ohio Third Frontier

Lionel Batty is the director of corporate research and development at GrafTech International Holdings, Inc., a global leader in fuel cell technology headquartered in Parma, Ohio and recipient of funding from the Ohio Third Frontier.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Lionel about GrafTech and the impact of the Ohio Third Frontier. For over 120 years the company has produced graphite electrodes, advanced carbon and graphite materials, and flexible graphite, which it now manufactures on four continents and sells in over 80 countries around the world. GrafTech has won six R&D 100 Awards in the last seven years for introducing new revolutionary technologies to the market.

The Ohio Third Frontier, an unprecedented and bipartisan commitment to create technology based products, companies, industries and jobs, has supplied funding to GrafTech for several different projects. Since its inception, the program has created or commercialized over 500 companies and has attracted $3.5 billion in private investment to Ohio, a 9:1 return on investment. In 2006, the State of Ohio also helped GrafTech move its global headquarters to Parma, Ohio with the Job Creation Tax Credit.

Click here to learn more about how the Ohio Third Frontier has impacted GrafTech.