From Gary Smith of the Greater Cleveland Partnership:

Last week, the House Alternative Energy Committee continued to hear educational testimony from experts around Ohio about alternative energy solutions. This week representatives from the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition (http://www.fuelcellsohio.org/) and the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association (http://www.ohiomfg.com//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home3) shared their ideas with Chairman McGregor and his committee.

First up was Jim O’Neil, an engineer for Whirlpool Corporation (http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/). Mr. O’Neil addressed the committee in his capacity as the OMA’s Energy Committee Chairman. With his testimony, Mr. O’Neil was determined to educated the committee on the benefits of distributed generation of energy—that is, the ability of a company to produce their energy needs on-site. According to Mr. O’Neil, distributed generation not only increases reliability of electricity service, but it also allows companies to diversify their energy portfolio. Lastly, O’Neil suggested that the state eliminate regulatory impediments to distributed generation by eliminating the one-percent cap—a statutory change would be needed.

The second educational presentation of the day was provided by Ken Alfred, Executive Director of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition. Ken has been the Executive Director of the OFCC since its inception in 2003. Ken’s expert testimony focused on the benefits of fuel cell technology. Benefits of fuel cell technology as articulated by Alfred are economic development (manufacturing jobs), environmental protection benefits (through decreased greenhouse gas emissions), sustainable development, and national security benefits (reduction on the reliance of foreign energy sources).

Mr. Alfred also covered the spectrum of fuel cell applications—from computers and cell phones to home electricity and submarine power.

Additionally, Ken discussed the OFCC’s view of the proper state role in the continuing development of fuel cell technology. According to his testimony “the proper state role consists of recognition of the benefits and keeping its support front and center over the long term; to provide the kinds of financial support that the private sector does not always provide in abundance, and in using the power of its purchasing role to help build early demand and provide evidence and validation for the broader market opportunities that will fuel further growth.”

To learn more about what Mr. Alfred had to say to the House Alternative Energy Committee (and more about their advocacy efforts), please visit the OFCC’s website at http://www.fuelcellsohio.org/advocacy.html.

The next hearing of the Alternative Energy committee is this Wednesday, May 23, 2007 in room 122 at the Statehouse in Columbus. This week’s agenda includes an educational presentation by Norm Johnston, CEO of McMasters Energy Enterprises. Mr. Johnston is also the Chairman of the Northern Ohio Advanced Energy Association.

Reported by Gary Smith