S.C. Department of Commerce launches hydrogen, fuel cell initiative

The S.C. Department of Commerce has started the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance, a statewide initiative to promote the development and use of quality, cost efficient and accessible hydrogen, fuel cells and related technologies, the Commerce Department announced Friday.

Chartered as a nonprofit corporation, the alliance will serve as the primary facilitator for hydrogen and fuel cell research, which could lead to the creation of an energy technology cluster offering higher-paying jobs, according to Gov. Mark Sanford.

The Savannah River National Laboratory, the Center for Hydrogen Research in Aiken, The University of South Carolina, Clemson University and South Carolina State University “can make a significant impact” in helping the state build a hydrogen economy, according to the Commerce Department.