Opportunities
Advanced Energy - Centers of Excellence
Ohio's innovative spirit and world-class advanced manufacturing infrastructure develops the products to meet the global energy needs of the future. Ohio-based companies are producing an increasing array of cleaner, greener and high tech energy solutions that the world is counting on. Ohio's advanced energy economy is leading the way.
Ohio has invested more than $150 million in energy technology development through the Ohio Third Frontier, bringing in more renewable energy facility projects than any other state. Ohio ranks no. 1 for renewable and advanced energy manufacturing, helping Ohio manufacturing companies create products for a globally competitive market. Ohio also ranks in the top 5 in the U.S. for clean energy, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly production jobs and is ranked no. 1 in the Midwest for clean jobs and clean businesses.
The state is within 1000 kilometers of more than 63 percent of all U.S. and Canadian manufacturing facilities. Ohio-based manufacturers have maximized the state's manufacturing heritage and proximity to profitable markets to successfully shift from past inventions to tomorrow's innovations. New energy businesses can utilize these resources, combined with the Midwest's lowest taxes to grow and prosper.
A strong and prosperous business community requires an equally thriving system of colleges and universities. Consisting of 14 universities, 24 university branch campuses, 23 community colleges, and over 120 adult education programs sites, the University System of Ohio is the largest comprehensive public system of higher education in the nation. The system invests $2 billion annually in research and development and is dedicated to training its workforce with the high-level knowledge, problem-solving, creative thinking and technology skills needed to be a leader in the innovation-based global economy.
Centers of Excellence in Advanced Energy Univeristies
Ohio also has two of the nation's top independent research universities, and combined with the University System of Ohio, eight schools are recognized as Centers of Excellence in advanced energy:
- Bowling Green State University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Central State University
- The Ohio State University
- Ohio University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Dayton
- The University of Toledo
Driving these universities' commitment to advanced energy is Governor Strickland’s Senate Bill 221, a landmark energy reform bill that will ensure predictability of affordable energy prices and serve as a catalyst to enhance energy industries in Ohio, bringing new jobs while protecting existing jobs. The law requires that 25 percent of the energy sold in Ohio must come from advanced and renewable energy technologies—from clean coal to wind turbines—by 2025. These colleges and universities are dedicated to train "green collar" workers and invest significantly in research and development so that Ohio emerges as a national leader in sustainable energy.
Highlights
- Ohio has the largest manufacturing facility of thin-film solar panels in the country
- Ohio is the no. 2 state in potential for manufacturing wind turbines and components
- Ohio is one of the few places where all phases of fuel cell development take place
- Ohio has the third most aggressive Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard that requires up to 6,000 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy capacity by 2025 and is expected to create more than 30,000 jobs by 2030
- The Ohio School Facilities Commission is making more than $4 billion available to partner with local districts to make sustainable and responsible facility construction of new schools a priority
