Top fuel cell research and manufacturing hub

Businesses in the fuel cell industry know that the challenge with taking fuel cell technology from the laboratory to the real world comes down to three things: cost, reliability and efficiency. Fuel cells have endless applications from powering a laptop to heating and cooling your home or business, to transportation and telecommunications applications. However, in order to become a reality, the industry needs to reduce the costs of large-scale manufacturing, enhance manufacturing capabilities for mass production and maintain strong research and development capabilities to spark innovation.

Fuel cell businesses require an ideal environment that combines a business-friendly climate, deep industry knowledge base, a well-educated workforce, dedicated universities and research institutions, and most importantly, a strong supply chain to get products to market.

"It’s safe to say, there is not a fuel cell manufactured in the United States that does not have at least one component that is made in Ohio,” said Pat Valente, executive director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition. “Ohio is home to one of the richest supply chains in the country and is able to accommodate every component needed for the fuel cell industry.”

Ohio is committed to capitalizing on its strength in fuel cells to create and attract 21st century businesses and jobs. Having invested in 95 projects of over $88 million since 2002, which has been leveraged by more than $300 million of federal dollars, Ohio is internationally recognized as a global center in fuel cell research, development and deployment. The state’s innovative mix of public and private support, strategic location and highly skilled workforce make Ohio the ideal location for fuel cell companies to jump start their business and call Ohio home.

As Valente told the Ohio News Network on its Ohio Means Business program, “If I’m a company, I want to make sure my fuel cell, before it gets to market, is dead-on reliable and relatively cost-efficient for the consumer, the industry or whoever’s going to buy it.”

That is where Ohio’s fuel cell leadership stands out. Ohio is the premier location in the U.S. to establish, grow or expand a fuel cell business. Ohio’s supportive business environment and significant government initiatives help companies research, develop and commercialize cutting edge technology in the fuel cell industry.