Funding for the first phase of the project, which will design and configure the station, order major pieces of equipment and secure the necessary permits to begin  onstruction, is being provided by proceeds from a federal grant awarded to EngenuitySC and by proceeds from the South Carolina Industry Partnership Fund administered by SCRA. This phase will permit compression, storage and dispensing of high pressure gaseous hydrogen; subsequent phases of the project will provide the capability to generate hydrogen on site.

“This project represents an unambiguous commitment by the political, economic and academic leaders in the Columbia region to growing and developing a hydrogen and fuel cell economy in the Midlands,” said Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO. “SCRA is pleased to lead investment in this and other projects that fulfill our legislative mandates through the Innovation Centers and Industry Partnership Acts.”

The station’s first “customer” will be the Federal Transit Administration’s National Fuel Cell Bus Program, which will provide a hybrid battery – fuel cell bus for demonstration in Columbia beginning late in 2008. The bus, which is being built in Golden, Colorado, will operate in Columbia for a year as part of a three-site test program.

“Our commitment to creating a hydrogen and fuel cell economy in Columbia is one step closer with the launch of this fueling station. This station and other related projects lay the foundation  or making our vision a reality,” said Bob Coble, Mayor of the City of Columbia. “We are proud to join a select group of cities who have embraced the hydrogen economy in the U.S.”

The project team will be led by the Center for Transportation and the Environment, an Atlantabased organization specializing in public transportation projects. Technical lead for the project will be the Gas Technology Institute, an Illinois-based research, development and training organization focused on delivering technology-based solutions for consumers, industry, and government. Major equipment and components will be supplied by Greenfield Compression, a Texas-based company specializing in compression and storage systems for industrial and natural gases. Local partners on the project team include the University of South Carolina and the Boudreaux Group.

“CTE is proud to be involved in this important project, which brings together an exceptional team of regional expertise and resources and will attract national and international attention to Columbia and South Carolina as a leader in hydrogen and fuel cell technology development,” said Dan Raudebaugh, CTE’s Executive Director.

An official “ground breaking” for the station is anticipated later this summer.