“Rolls-Royce is among the most respected names in business around the world,” said Taft.  “Their decision to come to Ohio to begin their North American fuel cell operations follows much research, and it indicates that Ohio is recognized as the place to do business in the alternative fuel industry.”

The Governor joined Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems U.S. President Mark Fleiner, U.S. Senator Mike DeWine, Congressman Ralph Regula, Canton Mayor Janet Creighton and local officials to make the announcement.

Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems will operate in the Fuel Cell Prototyping Center on the campus of Stark State College of Technology.  The Center was awarded a $2 million grant through the Third Frontier Fuel Cell Initiative, a $103 million project to sustain and support Ohio’s fuel cell industry.  The Fuel Cell Initiative is a core program in Governor Taft’s $1.6 billion Third Frontier Project to create high-paying, high-tech jobs in Ohio.

“Ohio’s support of fuel cell technology has been unwavering, and it’s paying off in the form of new companies, new technologies and new jobs,” said Lt. Governor and Development Director Bruce Johnson.  “Through comprehensive tax reform, the Third Frontier Project and other state initiatives, we are making the case that Ohio is the premier business location in the nation.”

Additionally, Rolls-Royce announced that they will begin a partnership with Ohio-based American Electric Power (AEP) to test and evaluate prototype fuel cell systems at the Dolan Technology Center and Walnut Test Facility located near Columbus.