SIZING UP THE COMPETITION
Five states are South Carolina's main competitors in the race to develop fuel cell technology and a hydrogen-based economy.
CALIFORNIA
In anticipation of hydrogen-powered cars hitting the market, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger launched a $90 million program in 2004 to build a "Hydrogen Highway," dotted with 24 fueling stations, by 2010.
The project is a partnership of state agencies, universities, commercial automakers and energy companies and will receive at least $35 million from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Government and private agencies are working together under a plan called the Hydrogen Highway Blueprint.
FLORIDA
H2 Florida, a program to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen, was launched in 2003 as a venture between industry, local governments and universities.
The state has committed $21 million in the past two years. And Florida has designated the hydrogen technology industry eligible for tax incentives.
The Florida Hydrogen Business Partnership is developing a private-public strategy to bring hydrogen energy technologies to market as rapidly as possible.
MICHIGAN
The nonprofit NextEnergy center started in 2002 with $30 million from the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
The center is charged with accelerating research, development and manufacturing of alternative energy technologies. Michigan, for decades the heart of the auto industry, will give NextEnergy $52.5 million over the next three years.
Most major automakers are making major investments in developing hydrogen fuel cells, which could begin appearing commercially within two decades.
NEW YORK
The New York State Hydrogen Energy Roadmap provides the state a strategy for developing a hydrogen-based fuel economy.
The goal is for hydrogen by 2020 to serve as a fuel for vehicles, buildings and power plants.
Wide-ranging initiatives, including tax credits, incentives and state purchasing programs, encourage hydrogen power. The governor and the state's energy research agency have committed more than $50 million so far.
OHIO
The Ohio Fuel Cell Initiative is a $103 million effort to promote fuel cell technologies.
The Initiative is part of the Third Frontier Project, a $1.1 billion program to create jobs and bring new products to market.
In late 2004, Ohio released the Ohio Fuel Cell Roadmap, a five-year strategic guide to maximize the involvement of Ohio companies in the fuel cell industry.