Ohio hands out $20.9M in cleantech energy grants

The state of Ohio announced that it awarded $20.9 million in grants for cleantech energy projects including wind, solar, biofuel, energy storage and fuel cell technologies.

The grants, handed out through the Ohio Third Frontier Commisssion, cover 29 different projects at universities and businesses.

"By strategically focusing Ohio Third Frontier resources toward the development of advanced energy technologies, we can begin to unleash the economic potential for this emerging industry," said Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher.

Fisher said the investments exemplify the administration's "unwavering commitment to growth in Ohio's advanced energy industry sector while recognizing our need for energy independence and conservation."

Some of the grants also include instruments, controls, and electronics projects.

The state said more than $8.9 million in grants were awarded to 12 entities for the advancement of fuel cell research and production in Ohio.

The fuel cell programs are expected to create more than 2,000 jobs in the state.

Fisher said the investments would "provide additional opportunities for the development and deployment of fuel cell technologies and will continue to spur economic growth in this important industry."

Some of the groups picking up grants include Cleveland-based Parker Hannifin (NYSE: PH), awarded $1 million for its sub-megawatt class hydrostatic wind turbine drive train commercialization project.

Plain City, Ohio's Velocys is getting $1 million for research into a microchannel enabled process for synthetic biofuels and chemicals.

And Kent State University was awarded $299,548 for its third generation proton-exchange fuel cell catalytic layers project.

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