Supply Chain Development programs are focused on targeted industries that have significant growth opportunities for Ohio's existing manufacturing sector from emerging energy resources and technologies. The Office of Energy is currently working on developing the supply chains for the wind, solar, nuclear and natural gas industries. Strategic support has been provided to GLWN and Energy Industries of Ohio and has resulted in hundreds of Ohio businesses receiving assistance to strengthen their core competencies to be matched with global OEMs. The outcomes are a stronger, more diversified manufacturing sector, increased jobs and improvements in energy savings and environmental quality.
Ohio's long history of manufacturing excellence and the continued transformation of its industrial base make Ohio the ideal location for global leadership in the wind energy industry. With thousands of companies in its advanced energy supply chain, including more than 600 established and emerging companies in the Ohio wind supply chain, Ohio has become a leading U.S. component supplier for wind turbine Original Equipment Manufacturers.
Wind maps created by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory show that Ohio's wind power potential exceeds 66,000 megawatts of on-shore resources and an ideal location for utility-scale wind development. The state's extensive farmlands offer a promise for wind turbines, which provide a new source of long-term revenue with little impact to existing agricultural operations. A modern, utility-scale wind turbine can provide added income to a landowner through leasing of wind rights. This boost to Ohio's rural economies and the additional income for farmers will reinvigorate rural Ohio.
Interactive wind maps are available courtesy of the Ohio Power Siting Board
The Ohio Power Siting Board supports sound energy policies that provide for the installation of energy capacity and transmission infrastructure for the benefit of the Ohio citizens, promoting the state's economic interests, and protecting the environment and land use.
Before construction can begin on any major utility facility within the state of Ohio, a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need must be obtained from the Board. The Ohio Revised Code defines a major utility facility as "a generating plant of 50 megawatts (MW) or more; an electric transmission line of 125 kilovolts (kV) or more; or a gas or natural gas transmission line capable of transporting gas at more than 125 pounds per square inch of pressure." The statute also requires wind generation of 5 MW or greater to be certificated by the Board.
The Ohio Wind Working Group is the forum on wind energy development information in the State of Ohio. Drawing from the wealth of experience from Ohio wind industry stakeholders, the Ohio Wind Working Group members will work collaboratively to address barriers to conducting business in Ohio. Future plans will establish a mechanism for stakeholders to provide feedback and pose questions about Ohio's wind industry.
Ohio is inventing, deploying, and building the technology and components to serve the robust wind industry. This work is based on our heritage as a home of innovation and opportunity - a place that has coupled great manufacturing might with tremendous intellectual power.
For example, the roots of the wind industry begin in Ohio with the invention of the world's first electric wind turbine by Charles Brush. He placed his invention in the backyard of his Cleveland home and Scientific American documented this great achievement in 1887. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Ohio's Glenn Research Center led the U.S. Wind Energy Program from 1974 to 1981 operating its first experimental 100-kilowatt wind turbine at Plum Brook in Sandusky, Ohio.
Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a $700 million, bi-partisan extension of the state's successful Ohio Third Frontier, a technology-based economic development initiative that is successfully changing the trajectory of Ohio's economy. The Ohio Third Frontier supports existing industries that are transforming themselves with new globally competitive products and fosters the formation and attraction of new companies in emerging industry sectors.
Research and Development continues to drive growth in the solar industry in Ohio and around the world. In fact, research stemming from Ohio-based institutions has led to the formation of many leading solar industry firms, such as First Solar, one of the world's largest manufacturers of thin-film photovoltaic modules.
Ohio has a very strong and complete solar supply chain. Ohio is one of the few states where you can build an array almost entirely from components manufactured within the state. Companies like Isofoton, Nextronex, Northern States Metals, and Joyce Dayton make the parts and pieces that go into a small residential roof top up to a large utility size solar installation.
Ohio's solar resource and supply chain includes researchers, original equipment manufacturers, and system integrators in:
To discover more about the Ohio Solar Supply Chain and the companies please visit the interactive supply chain map at www.ohiosolarenergy.org