SwampFox

EngenuitySC Announces Project Awards at Third Annual Conference

Challenge grants mark first phase for multi-year framework in creation of Columbia's Fuel Cell District

COLUMBIA, S.C., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- As the driving force behind the development of the "knowledge economy" for Richland and Lexington Counties, EngenuitySC announced today the awarding of six project grants. The funding was awarded in response to the request for proposals issued earlier this year as part of the Fuel Cell Challenge.

Neil McLean, Executive Director for EngenuitySC, commented that, "These projects represent the wide variety of applications for fuel cell technology from transportation, to portable power, to community education - this is a significant step in this multi-phase, multi-year project for the future of Columbia's knowledge economy."

Specifically, the six projects include: a back-up power system at Benedict College, a Citizens' School for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology at the University of South Carolina, conceptual and content funding for a hands on exhibit at EdVenture Children's Museum, deployment of portable hydrogen batteries for television cameras, development of battery powered hybrid Segway personal transporters and a first responders extended power pack for Law Enforcement and Emergency officials.

"This announcement represents the first chance to turn Engenuity's vision of making Columbia home to a fuel cell economy - into a reality," said City of Columbia Mayor Bob Coble.

The announcements were made as part of EngenuitySC's 2006 Annual Conference held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The daylong event provided an overview from industry experts on the opportunities created by the hydrogen economy and the role that fuel cells will play in this future for Columbia. Speakers included Pierre Rivard, CEO of Hydrogenics - a Canadian based hydrogen fuel cell company, South Carolina House Speaker Bobby Harrell, Senator Jim DeMint, Congressman James E. Clyburn and Congressman Joe Wilson.

Also announced this week, the University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) and the Columbia Regional Transit System will be the recipients of a Federal Transit Administration grant, funding a hybrid-electric hydrogen fuel cell bus for Columbia.

According to University of South Carolina President, Dr. Andrew Sorenson, "The fuel cell bus helps fulfill the University's vision for research leadership in future fuel technologies. The project is also a perfect fit with our intent for Innovista, where we will lead by example and set the standard for green and sustainable campus design."

About EngenuitySC

EngenuitySC is a non-profit economic development leadership council with a mission to coordinate actions that generate the creation and growth of knowledge based companies in Richland and Lexington Counties. Its primary goals are building ties between the University of South Carolina's research activities and the local business community, developing sources of venture capital for local entrepreneurs, and taking actions to create a business environment that supports entrepreneurial ventures. For more information, please visit www.engenuitysc.com.

About The Greater Columbia Fuel Cell Challenge

USC, the City of Columbia, SCRA and EngenuitySC have organized the Greater Columbia Fuel Cell Challenge to collaborate with private sector leaders from all areas of the fuel cell market for the unprecedented deployment of fuel cell and alternative energy technologies into multiple city, university and public applications in Columbia. With one of the nation's top fuel cell research programs located at USC and several other alternative fuel cell projects around the state, the region is uniquely positioned to play a leadership role in the development of the next energy economy. For more information, please visit www.fuelcellchallenge.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: EngenuitySC

CONTACT: Rachel Card of EngenuitySC, +1-803-589-9037, or
rcard@engenuitysc.com; or Maryanne Belser for EngenuitySC, +1-803-233-2452, or
maryanne.belser@cnsg.com

Web site: http://www.fuelcellchallenge.com/
http://www.engenuitysc.com/