Fuel Cell Grant Program

July 14, 2021

Summary

The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative was established in May 2002 to support fuel-cell-related research, project demonstration and job creation. This $100 million initiative will provide (1) $75 million in financing to make strategic capital investments that will create and retain jobs; (2) $25 million to support fuel cell research, development and demonstration; and (3) $3 million for worker training. In May 2005, the initiative -- orignially designed as a three-year plan -- was extended through May 2008. Research, Development & Demonstration - $25 million Proposals for RD&D grants must be submitted to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) by an Ohio business that is part of a larger project team (that may include out-of-state partner). The $25 million RD&D budget is comprised of $13 million of oil overcharge monies, $2 million from the Ohio Coal Development Office -- to further develop coal gasification and hot gas cleanup technologies for hydrogen supply for fuel cells -- and a $10 million Third Frontier Action Fund for competitive technology development and commercialization projects. Training - $3 million The Ohio Investment Training Program allocates $1,000,000 per year for fuel-cell-related companies. Through this program, Ohio businesses are eligible for grants covering up to 50% of the cost for training to upgrade the skills of their employees, or to train or re-train employees in areas related to fuel cells. Public Education ODOD conducts educational workshops and business seminars in conjunction with the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition and maintains informational materials on the state's Third Frontier Project web site (www.thirdfrontier.com) and the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition's web site (www.fuelcellsohio.org). The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative is part of the state's Third Frontier Project, a 10-year, $1.6 billion plan to create high-tech, high-paying jobs through the expansion of the state's high-tech research sector and promotion of start-up companies.