"The Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition is pleased that Governor Strickland's proposal highlights the state's strong support of the rapidly growing Ohio fuel cell industry," said Ken Alfred, executive director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition. "Since 2002, the Ohio fuel cell industry has attracted major investments to the state and we are delighted to continue as a strong partner in Ohio's advanced energy agenda."

Fuel cells generate electricity and useful heat in a remarkably clean and efficient manner using nearly any currently available fuel. Unlike solar and wind, which rely on intermittent power sources, fuel cells generate electric power regardless of weather conditions. They can be sited anywhere in the country.

    Fuel cells will ensure the following:

    -- Secure, reliable and high-quality power at the point of demand, with
       some systems able to provide high quality thermal energy as well as
       electric energy;
    -- Fuel-efficiency, by generating power using far less fuel than needed by
       comparable technologies;
    -- Clean power that can significantly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions;
       and
    -- Optimum and efficient utilization of bio-fuels and other renewables for
       power generation as they become available.
 

OFCC Chairman Bill Dawson commented, "Inclusion of advanced generation technologies like fuel cells in the proposed advanced energy portfolio standard will further support Ohio companies' commercialization efforts and create jobs".

The Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition, non-existent until the Third Frontier Project came along, now has over 100 members representing each part of the industry value chain and geographic part of the state, and includes academic, business and government interests. The annual Fuel Cell Symposium started in 2002 with 150 attendees now hosts more than 350 guests from 15 states and three countries.

If enacted, an Ohio advanced energy portfolio standard will put the state alongside 28 other states with similar standards, and allow Ohio to take advantage of a growing advanced energy industry opportunity. Ohio offers a wealth of assets and resources to effectively compete for this type of economic development.

For more information on Ohio's fuel cell industry contact Ken Alfred at 216.363.6883 or visit the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition Web site at http://www.fuelcellsohio.org.