Manufacturing Reps Gather For Annual Fuel Cell Symposium

Thursday, May 28, 2009
Topics: Economy, Education, Other
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More than 200 manufacturing reps are gathered at Kent State University's Stark campus in North Canton to share the latest in fuel cell technology.

Northeast Ohio has become a world hotbed for fuel cell development, according to Pat Valenti of the Ohio Fuel Cell Coalition.  The state has set aside 100 million dollars to assist, and Valenti says existing regional assets grease the wheels for progress.

“We have the machine shop, we have that stamper - the sophisticated stamper - we have that gasket maker, we have a materials producer, That’s really our strength” Valenti said. 

“Our other strengths are in the R&D that takes place at places like NASA Glenn, Case Western Reserve, Akron University, Kent State University.”

Fuel cells combine hydrogen with oxygen to produce energy, and they’re non-polluting since the only by-product is water. 

Leutenant governor Lee Fisher is scheduled to address the symposium this afternoon.