With the national focus on creating alternative energy sources, South Carolina is poised to be a leader in Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. Our existing hydrogen research and development positions us at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution. The United States hydrogen market is expected to exceed $1 trillion and one million jobs by 2020 and South Carolina is in a unique position to capitalize on this opportunity. With a fully developed hydrogen strategy focused on using existing resources, South Carolina will not only lead the development of a clean alternative to oil, but by doing so will create a significant number of new jobs. Current estimations state that hydrogen and fuel cell job potential for South Carolina and surrounding communities is 40,000.

Our state represents one of the most exciting destinations for hydrogen & fuel cell innovation with vibrant interaction between higher education and research institutions, entrepreneurs and the business community and investors of growth capital. So much so that the National Hydrogen Association selected Columbia as the location for its 2009 annual conference which attracts attendees from all over the world.

You can support these efforts by contributing to the South Carolina Hydrogen Infrastructure Development Fund (HIDF). Taxpayers, both individual and institutional, who donate to the fund receive a 25% credit against South Carolina income tax, license fees or insurance premium tax. Proceeds from this fund will be distributed in the form of grants used to promote the development and deployment of hydrogen production, storage, distribution and dispensing infrastructure and related products and services to enable the growth of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in South Carolina. For more information on making a contribution click here.

For a list of South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Facts, please click here.