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Ohio Business Energy Resource Center

Advanced and Renewable Fuels: Developing Energy Technologies
Ohio’s success in supplying an efficient and diverse mix of resources to meet our energy needs is dependent upon technological innovations.  Ohio is committed to encouraging research, development and demonstration (RD&D) projects in technologies that will help Ohio achieve energy efficiency, demand response and renewable resources more effective and cost-competitive.  We must also encourage RD&D for conventional generation sources and transportation fuels to reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and mitigate environmental impacts.  Below are several advanced, renewable programs and grant opportunities that are available within Ohio’s state agencies:

Ohio’s Biomass Program - The Ohio Biomass Energy Program provides information, resource referrals, business connections, and periodic funding assistance to support the development and use of biomass energy resources in Ohio.

Distributed Generation - Distributed Generation ("DG") is small-sized generating equipment usually installed close to a customer or on the customer's premises.  Are you a retail customer who wants to use your own "DG"?

Solar Power - Solar energy is provided by the sun and is constantly replenished. When used to create power, it will not produce harmful pollution. Solar energy may be used passively to heat and light buildings, or actively to transform it to generate electricity (solar photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal).

Wind Power - Wind energy is the world's fastest growing energy resource.  In use for centuries in Europe, wind is now finding increasing use in the United States and other nations. Wind turbines, both large and small, produce electricity for utilities, homeowners, and communities.  Are you interested in the wind resource in your community?

Ethanol and Biofuels - Ethanol is a high octane fuel made from corn, sorghum and other grain products.  When added to ordinary unleaded gasoline, ethanol increases the oxygen content of the fuel helping it burn cleaner and cooler which makes it a very viable and appealing alternative to the petroleum based fuels.  Ohio is one of many states currently increasing its ethanol production and exposure.

Third Frontier - Governor Taft unveiled The Third Frontier Project in February 2002. This project is the state’s largest-ever commitment to expanding Ohio’s high-tech research capabilities and promoting innovation and company formation that will create high-paying jobs for generations to come. The 10-year, $1.1 billion initiative is designed to:

•  Build world-class research capacity,
•  Support early stage capital formation and the development of new products,
•  Finance advanced manufacturing technologies to help existing industries become more productive

Fuel Cells – Through the Third Frontier initiative, grants are available to support the growth of Ohio’s fuel cell industry through collaborations that involve Ohio higher education institutions, non-profit research organizations, and Ohio companies.