About Us
A Totally Integrated Fuel Cell Ecosystem
In 2005, ICF Consulting conducted a thorough and statewide analysis of South Carolina's next energy opportunities with hydrogen and fuel cells. The study showed that the hydrogen and fuel cell industry represented a significant knowledge-based market opportunity for the state. To focus our strengths on our state's competitive advantage in the industry, leaders from the business, higher education, research, and community sectors from across South Carolina came together to develop a 20-year strategy. The goal of the strategy is for South Carolina to become a leader in the emerging hydrogen and fuel cell economy.
The USC-City of Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative was established in 2006 to carry out the strategy in the Midlands region of the state. At the heart of the Midlands region is Columbia, South Carolina which is actively engaged in the creation of the first integrated Fuel Cell District in the United States. This one-of-a-kind, self sustaining district is being built with the vision of Columbia becoming a global model for the mass deployment of fuel cell applications and technology. Columbia is the ideal city for the first planned end-to-end Fuel Cell District because it has existing research strengths in fuel cells at the University of South Carolina, the focus and collaboration of the region's political, business and academic leaders, and ample resources to implement this vision. This comprehensive public and private sector initiative fuses together all of the elements needed to help grow Columbia's knowledge based economy with an emphasis on fuel cell technology.
The Fuel Cell Collaborative, comprised of University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, SCRA, and EngenuitySC, is coordinating the region's efforts. The collaborative has three primary objectives:
- Position Columbia, SC as a leader in fuel cell innovation
- Become world-class innovators for the hydrogen and fuel cell economy
- Recruit and retain private sector partners, fuel cell scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators to help make South Carolina a pre-eminent location for the hydrogen and fuel cell economy
To learn more about the opportunities available to you and your business, contact us today.
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