COLUMBUS, Ohio--An Ohio company has successfully demonstrated the world's first kilowatt-scale solid oxide fuel cell system that generates electricity using vegetable oil from soybeans. The demonstration further proves Ohio's standing as a world leader in innovative technology in alternative energy, according to the Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC), the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment.

Cleveland, Ohio-based Technology Management, Inc. (TMI) and the Ohio Soybean Council presented the new technology at The Ohio State University Farm Science Review, one of the largest gatherings of the agriculture industry in the Midwest.

"We believe this is the first time a complete farm scale fuel cell system has ever been shown to convert unblended soybean oil into renewable electricity outside the laboratory," said Benson Lee, president and CEO of Technology Management, Inc. "TMI is proud to be among the few companies in the world that are demonstrating that this revolutionary technology is not decades away, but just around the corner."

The project received contributions from the USDA Biomass Initiative Program, the Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio's Third Frontier Project, a $1.6 billion initiative that fosters the creation of high-paying jobs through innovation, research and development and the commercialization of next- generation products.

TMI is collaborating with The Ohio State University's Biomass to Energy Program as part of an ongoing relationship examining the conversion of various biomass waste and organic matter into on-site electricity and marketable biofuels.

"If biofuel-powered fuel cell systems, using renewable fuels like soybean oil, were available to small farms and agri-businesses across the Midwest's farm belt it would allow America's strongest engine for economic growth - the small business - to join with big business to help reduce our nation's dependency on foreign oil and consumption of fossil fuel," Lee continued. "The combination of Ohio's manufacturing, technology and agricultural strengths could create a new industry based on small-scale, on-site, distributed power generation operating on renewable biofuels such as soybeans. And, as the nation's fourth most energy intensive state, Ohio would benefit by being its own best customer."

As one of the few places where all phases of fuel cell development take place, from research and development to component suppliers and final product manufacturing, Ohio provides a supportive business environment for alternative energy companies.

"Ohio is at the heart of next-generation, alternative energy technology advancements," said Ed Burghard, executive director for the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "The state is attractive to executives because of its unique mix of micropolitan and metropolitan cities. This combination provides executives the resources and time to pursue their professional goals and personal aspirations without having to compromise one for the other. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance."

For more information, visit http://www.ohiomeansbusiness.com.

For more information about TMI, visit http://www.tmifuelcellsystems.com

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