COLUMBUS, OH -- A new, state-of-the-art fuel cell technology is putting Ohio on the map as a world leader in the development of alternative energy technology according to the Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC), the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment. With help from the state's next-generation research and development programs, a Cleveland, Ohio-based company has just announced a breakthrough technology that turns agricultural waste into renewable energy -- specifically electricity.

"This has gone far beyond the wishful thinking of an entrepreneur with a vision," said Benson P. Lee, president and CEO of Technology Management Inc. (TMI), the company behind the new fuel cell technology. "Because fuel cell systems are so dependent on experienced manufacturing supply chain companies, Ohio has been an ideal location for my business. This fact, coupled with the state's commitment to developing state-of-the-art technologies, has made it possible for us to bring the future into the present."
TMI has designed, built and successfully demonstrated the ability of its freestanding, kilowatt-size solid oxide fuel cell system to generate power from a wide range of fuels.

On a farm, the fuel cell system would run on hydrogen extracted from methane given off by animal waste or other decomposing organic matter and generate low cost electricity, cut odors from farm waste and even reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. The clean, quiet, odorless operation and small size allows it to operate indoors where its heat can be used for tasks such as cooling and heating.

The Ohio Business Development Coalition says innovative fuel cell technologies and alternative and renewable energy initiatives are made possible through Ohio's strengths and leadership in the three main bioscience industry sectors defined as Red (health), Green (agriculture) and White (industrial). The OBDC says Ohio's encouragement of cross-collaboration among the Red, Green and White industries uniquely positions the state to provide national leadership in alternative energy.

"Whether it's biofuels, fuel cells, chemicals or polymers, Ohio is at the heart of next-generation energy technologies," said Ed Burghard, executive director for the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "The state's profitable business environment and diverse micropolitan and metropolitan city structures provide the resources and time for executives to pursue both their professional goals and personal aspirations without having to compromise one for the other."

"Ohio's strengths support the creation of the world's most advanced small-scale power generation industries," said Lee. "Since it is the nation's 4th most energy intensive state, Ohio can be its own best customer."

According to Lee, TMI has received more than $22 million in federal and state grants and contracts. TMI's fuel cell system will also be integrated with animal waste and food processing technologies at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) with help from a $1.5 million Wright Project grant through Ohio's Third Frontier Project, a $1.6 billion initiative to help catalyze connections between companies and academia to support the state's commitment to alternative energy growth.

With more than $1 billion in funding and 775 bioscience entities operating throughout the state, Ohio is establishing an international leadership role in the cutting-edge bioscience industry. The Red, Green, White model is based on the three main bioscience industry sectors established by European bioscience leaders. Ohio's Red, Green and White bioscience entities generate more than $5.2 billion in direct economic impact and employ more than 37,000 skilled workers.

About the Ohio Business Development Coalition
The Ohio Business Development Coalition is a nonprofit organization that provides marketing strategy and implementation to support Ohio's economic development efforts. For more information, visit http://www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.