THE ISSUE: Hydrogen technology development in S.C.

OUR OPINION: Tour will put public spotlight on S.C. efforts

South Carolina has moved itself to the forefront of research and development of hydrogen fuel technology as an alternative to the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The Center for Hydrogen Research, located near the former nuclear weapons complex the Savannah River Site, opened a $9 million research facility in 2006.

With a goal of developing cost-effective hydrogen technology for powering vehicles, the center combines existing efforts from the Savannah River National Lab, private industry and the state’s research universities.

It is part of a concentrated South Carolina effort to be on the cutting edge of developing an effective alternative to oil and other energy sources that have the nation so reliant on foreign sources.

Under the auspices of South Carolina’s Hydrogen Fuel and Cell Alliance, a private organization housed in the S.C. Department of Commerce, the Center for Hydrogen Research and the Savannah River National Lab join with three other regional organizations in heading the research.

Orangeburg plays a role. South Carolina State University’s Clyburn Transportation Center in conducting research on linking different modes of transportation using advanced technology.

At the University of South Carolina, the focus is fuel cells.

Clemson University is home to the International Center for Automotive Research. Hydrogen-related research includes thermo-chemical hydrogen production.

On Saturday, the state puts emphasis on its hydrogen connection when the alliance welcomes 10 hydrogen vehicles to South Carolina as part of the Hydrogen Road Tour, a two-week series of media, VIP and public events throughout the country that demonstrates progress and commitment toward commercially viable, emissions-free hydrogen vehicles. The tour features the 10 hydrogen vehicles traveling across the United States from Maine to California with 31 stops in 18 states.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about the Hydrogen Road Tour coming to South Carolina,” said Shannon Baxter-Clemmons, executive director of the SCHFCA. “This tour is a perfect opportunity for South Carolina’s citizens to learn more about the technologies that are reshaping our state’s view of energy through an exciting hands-on experience.”

South Carolina’s first hydrogen vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado with an eTec/Roush Industries Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine, will join the tour at every stop in the state. The truck is owned by the Center for Hydrogen Research in Aiken.

The first stop will be in the Upstate at BMW Zentrum. BMW will showcase the BMW Hydrogen 7, the world’s first luxury performance sedan with hydrogen drive.

In Columbia, the tour will visit Midlands Technical College, home to the Fuel Cell Technician Program. In Aiken, the tour will refuel using Bridgestone’s hydrogen fueling station on-site, which supports their fleet of hydrogen fuel cell forklifts operating at the facility.

“The tour’s timing couldn’t be better,” Baxter-Clemmons said. “The public will get a small preview of what they can expect when the National Hydrogen Association’s annual conference comes to Columbia next spring and offers an entire day of public ride-and-drive opportunities.”

By coordinating research efforts and putting the state on the cutting edge of successful hydrogen development, South Carolina stands to win in a big way.

The effort can be lucrative as the state becomes a leader in producing hydrogen-powered vehicles.

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