The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Cluster aims to position the area as a preeminent leader and innovator in fuel cell technology. It is focused on research and commercialization activities required to enable South Carolina to gain economic benefit from its hydrogen and fuel cell research assets. The most intense South Carolina hydrogen and fuel cell research and development activity is in Columbia and Aiken, where local governments have joined with research institutions to build research and commercialization facilities to attract talent and companies to the state.
The University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, EngenuitySC, and the SCRA have created the Fuel Cell Collaborative to leverage the Midlands region's cleantech assets.
EngenuitySC and University of South Carolina Join Congressman James Clyburn to Announce Major Federal Award to Develop Next Generation Fuel Cells
The Fuel Cell Collaborative has already attracted top fuel cell scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It has assisted in the creation of start-ups such as Trulite, Inc, Boroscience International, and Hydrogen Hybrid Mobility. This region has attracted the profound minds of Dr. Ken Reifsnider, who specializes in Solide Oxide Fuel Cells, Dr. Brian Benicewicz, who specializes in Polymer Nanocomposites at the USC Nanocenter; and a host of other leading researchers in fields such as health sciences, nanotechnology, clean coal, and information technology. Initiatives have included genesis of the nation’s first NSF funded center for fuel cells, one of the first hydrogen fueling stations, a top tier fuel cell training facility at Midlands Technical College, and the first fuel cell manufacturing facility in the state. This was the first three years; now, imagine the next twenty.
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