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Hydrogen Fueling Station to Open in Aiken County
Monday, March 30, 2009
AIKEN, SC-Aiken County, the Economic Development Partnership and the Center for Hydrogen Research will announce the opening of a hydrogen fueling station at Sage Mill Industrial Park at approximately 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 30.
The Sage Mill facility is unique in that it is located in an advanced manufacturing park. Bridgestone/Firestone, located at Sage Mill, is currently using hydrogen fuel cell forklifts and the new station will contribute to the development of hydrogen infrastructure in Aiken County.
Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives, the Honorable Bobby Harrell, will be the featured speaker at the hydrogen fuel station ceremonies in Aiken. Also making remarks on this milestone of hydrogen infrastructure will be J. Roland Smith, Chairman of the Aiken County Legislative Delegation and Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young. The dignitaries will also dedicate the opening of the South Carolina Hydrogen Freeway between Aiken and Columbia.
Said Speaker Harrell of the progress that this event signifies, “In the race to develop hydrogen into our nation’s next viable energy source, South Carolina has been a leader every step of the way. The Aiken and Columbia Hydrogen Fueling Stations could very well represent the gas stations of tomorrow, however the only byproduct this fuel produces is clean water.”
The Honorable J. Roland Smith, chairman of the Aiken County Legislative Delegation, said everyone in Aiken County can be proud of their participation in the development of hydrogen technologies here. “Hydrogen technology was developed right here during the Cold War and today Aiken County remains on the cutting edge of its promise of clean, abundant energy for our country.
Aiken County Council Chairman Ronnie Young added, "We are fortunate to have a technology base in Aiken County that we can leverage into new jobs and industries for the future. The availability of hydrogen cars depends on the commitment of this nation to energy independence and energy security along with the price of a barrel of oil. Aiken County has the opportunity to lead the way in this new technology and will not stand by the roadside as others capitalize on hydrogen and fuel cell technology. This is evidenced by Aiken County Council's foresight to develop the Savannah River Research Campus and the Center for Hydrogen Research."
The Center for Hydrogen Research’s Chevy Silverado will be fueled with hydrogen as will a Kia Borrego that runs on hydrogen. The Sage Mill Hydrogen Fueling Station is one of two hydrogen stations opening in South Carolina on Monday, March 30. The Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative will open the Columbia hydrogen fueling station Monday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.
At the Sage Mill ribbon cutting, Dr. Shannon Baxter-Clemmons, director of the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance, will highlight the state’s new capability to fuel hydrogen vehicles. With her assistance Speaker Harrell will then unveil a sign declaring the South Carolina Hydrogen Freeway - Sage Mill Hydrogen Station. Soon afterwards, Speaker Harrell and other dignitaries will then drive the Partnership’s hydrogen truck and the Kia Borrego from Sage Mill to the Columbia hydrogen station and refuel, thereby officially opening the South Carolina Hydrogen Freeway.
“It is logical that a number of stations in the surrounding states could be established in the coming years, forming a grid that will spread out around the Southeast and the country,” says Fred Humes, Director of the Economic Development Partnership.
The Columbia Fuel Cell Challenge sees the Columbia station serving as a hub around which a network of follow-on projects with private, public and military researchers and customers can be designed and executed.
Speaker of the S.C. House, Bobby Harrell and University of South Carolina President Dr. Harris Pastides will be among the featured speakers in Columbia.
Aiken Agenda
Sage Mill Hydrogen Fueling Station and South Carolina Hydrogen Freeway Ribbon Cutting March 30, 2009
| 10:00 AM | Welcome and Opening Remarks | John Troutman, Chairman, Economic Development Partnership |
| 10:05 AM | Comments | The Honorable Ronnie Young, Chairman, Aiken County Council |
| 10:10 AM | Comments and Introduction | The Honorable Roland Smith, Chairman, Aiken Delegation |
| 10:15 AM | Comments | The Honorable Bobby Harrell, Speaker, South Carolina House of Representatives |
| 10:35 AM | Ribbon Cutting | |
| 10:45 AM | Fuel the Hydrogen Truck | Speaker Harrell and Chairman Young |
| 10:55 AM | Unveil South Carolina Hydrogen Freeway sign | Speaker Harrell, SCHFCA |
| 11:05 AM | Refreshments | |
| 11:30 AM | Hydrogen truck departs for Columbia | Speaker Harrell, Chairman Smith, Chairman Young and others to be determined |
Note: Times are for reference purposes only.
Columbia Agenda
Columbia Fueling Station Ribbon-Cutting Event
March 30, 2009
At Hydrogen Fueling Station on Williams Street near Laurel and Huger
| 1:00 PM | Neil McLean, Executive Director, Engenuity SC, welcomes guests |
| 1:05 PM | Neil introduces Speaker of the SC House, Bobby Harrell. Speaker Harrell talks about the SC Hydrogen Highway and its positive impact on hydrogen economy. |
| 1:10 PM | Neil returns to podium, introduces Mayor Bob Coble. Mayor Coble talks about the impact of the fueling station on the Midlands region. |
| 1:15 PM | Neil returns to podium, introduces Dr. Harris Pastides, USC President. Dr. Pastides talks about USC’s contribution to the fueling station and how it will positively impact commercialization of university research. |
| 1:20 PM | Neil returns to podium, introduces Dan Raudebaugh, Center for Transportation and the Environment CEO. Dan expresses thanks and acknowledges Columbia partners. |
| 1:23 PM | Neil returns to podium, introduces Bill Mahoney, SCRA CEO. Bill talks about the collaboration that helped get the fueling station operational. |
| 1:28 PM | Neil returns to podium, asks dignitaries and guests to walk to the ribbon. Neil tells guests: "we have several additional vehicles we will fuel after we cut the ribbon ... you’re welcome to stay and watch. The station operator, Brian Weeks, will be available to answer any questions about the vehicles..." |
| 1:30 PM | Photos are taken of ribbon being cut by the dignitaries. Neil thanks guests for attending the ceremony today. |
| 1:32 PM | Vehicles drive one at a time to pump to be fueled: Chevy Silverado truck first, then Kia Borrego, then bus. Dignitaries may each take a turn fueling a vehicle if they wish. |
Eakin-Hale Publicists
Eakin-Hale Publicists
(803) 221-4976
stephenhale@eakinhale.com
Sarah Eakin
(803) 295-2860
saraheakin@eakinhale.com
262 East Gate Dr. PMB 145
Aiken, SC 29803
www.eakinhale.com
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