Dozens of researchers, students, experts and innovators gathered at The Ohio State University on June 6 for the first annual Ohio Hydrogen Technology Forum to network and discuss advancements, challenges and opportunities related to fuel cell and hydrogen technology across the state.
The event was co-sponsored by the Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research (IMR) and organized by the Ohio Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Coalition (OFCHC), a 501(c)(6) nonprofit based in Elyria, Ohio. The coalition works to ensure Ohio’s regional and national presence in fuel cell and hydrogen opportunities through a variety of efforts. OFCHC Executive Director Bill Whittenberger and event organizer Paul Matter, Ph.D., welcomed attendees to the forum.
Two Ohio State distinguished university professors spoke at the event. Umit Ozkan, chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, presented “Carbon-neutral Hydrogen and Syngas Production via High-temperature Electrolysis.” Liang-Shih Fan, the C. John Easton Professor in Engineering, presented “Chemical Looping Technology for Hydrogen Production – Commercialization Prospect.”
IMR Director of Innovation Jay Sayre helped welcome attendees to the Energy Advancement and Innovation Center in the university’s Carmenton district and discussed Ohio State’s role in energy advancement, highlighting an active portfolio of fuel cell and hydrogen research, spanning advanced catalyst and membrane development to AI-driven exploration of natural hydrogen reservoirs.
“IMR’s support of the Ohio Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Coalition and OFCHC membership isn’t just about advancing technology; it’s about building a clean energy future, creating jobs, and making Ohio a national leader in hydrogen innovation,” said Sayre, who also serves as assistant vice president in the Office of Research and a research associate professor in Materials Science and Engineering.
Other speakers included State Rep. Jodi Salvo; Paul Matter, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Power to Hydrogen, LLC; Scott Swartz, Ph.D., CTO and co-founder of Nexceris; Bruce Bauchmire, director of renewable energy services at DLZ Corporation; Jeff Ellis, Ph.D., senior technology leader at EWI; and Andrew Smeltz, Ph.D., R&D director of the North America division of De Nora.