FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “ACCELERATING THE ADVANCED ENERGY SUPPLY CHAIN IN OHIO” Media Contact: Robert Grevey (614) 466 6619
January 6, 2008
SEMINAR OFFERS TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR OHIO COMPANIES
SHARONVILLE – To help expand the advanced energy market in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Development will host “Accelerating Ohio’s Advanced Energy Supply Chain,” on Thursday, January 8, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The seminar will offer information on tools, resources, and financial assistance programs for Ohio businesses, manufacturers and economic development professionals for supplying the robust wind, solar, biomass, and efficiency industries. The seminar will be held at the Sharonville Convention Center, located at 11355 Chester Road, in Sharonville.
“By adapting our existing manufacturing base to accommodate for advanced components, Ohio’s alternative energy economy is expanding to meet future global demand for these innovative solutions,” said Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Ohio is perfectly positioned to supply the ideas, equipment, and workforce the world needs – the advanced energy trade presents a significant opportunity to enhance our current strengths in an array of industry sectors.”
The seminars are part of the advanced energy component of Ohio’s Bipartisan Jobs Stimulus Plan. The Advanced Energy Stimulus program will invest $150 million to nurture and attract firms that produce, deliver, and store energy, as well as those that contribute to the industry’s supply chain by leveraging our existing manufacturing and distribution strengths. The program supports economic interests in areas such as solar manufacturing, advanced coal technologies, biofuels, and energy conservation and efficiency.
By 2025, Ohio is estimated to have more than 5,800 megawatts of new advanced energy capacity due to the landmark energy policy signed by Governor Ted Strickland on May 1, 2008. The Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard, an integral component of the energy law, requires investor-owned electric utilities to supply 25 percent of their retail sales from advanced energy sources with at least 12.5 percent from renewable energy. Annual benchmarks for renewable energy and energy efficiency will also be established beginning in 2009. These provisions will dramatically expand the market for these emerging industries.
For other information, please visit: http://www.development.ohio.gov/cdd/oee/RoadShowSchedule.htm
The seminars are free to the public and sponsored by the Ohio Department of Development and the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority. The events have been organized in every region of the state to provide information on technical resources, grants, and incentives to help Ohio companies retool manufacturing capacities and retrain work forces to produce components for the advanced energy industries.
Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, deal-making, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future.
Communications & Marketing Office (614) 466 2609.
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