Ohio is known for its magnificent lake houses and fabulous festivals, but did you know that this Rust Belt state is also home to some of the most innovative and forward-thinking renewable energy companies in the world? From household name brands to hidden gems, here’s a quick tour of what’s going on with Ohio’s renewable energy sector.
Hydro’s Ohio Base
Located in Columbus, Hydro’s massive Ohio Base is one of the most recognizable features of the state. At the center of it all is the magnificent four-story atrium, which houses a variety of businesses, including a rooftop pool and lounge area, a cafeteria, a convenience store, and more! The base itself features over 20,000 SF of commercial and office space, over 4,000 SF of mechanical and manufacturing space, and over 9,000 SF of warehouse space, all with exceptionally high (100%) floorspace occupancies.
Sun Run Games’ Columbus Facility
Another stalwart of the Ohio renewable energy scene is Sun Run Games’ 120,000 SF corporate headquarters in Columbus. Completed in 2018, the state-of-the-art corporate campus is home to the company’s growing R&D, manufacturing, and logistics departments. Equipped with a variety of cutting-edge technologies, the campus features over 100,000 SF of open floor space spanning 11 flexible work spaces, which are defined by natural light and ventilation, and are perfect for collaborative creativity.
GE Power’s Ohio Wind
Based in Columbus, GE Power is a subsidiary of General Electric Company that builds and markets small- to medium-sized wind turbines, offering turnkey solutions for commercial and residential projects. The company’s headquarters was previously occupied by the iconic Honeywell corporate campus, and today is the stage for many an HR hunch, marketing meeting, and boardroom showdown.
First Solar’s Ohio Facility
First Solar is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products, with a global headquarters in nearby Willoughby. The company’s North American operations are headquartered in nearby Dayton, and feature a 200,000 SF solar manufacturing plant and offices, as well as a 160,000 SF solar warehouse.
NuCoyote’s Ohio Facility
NuCoyote is an international, award-winning nanotechnology company that designs and develops products to clean up oil spills and hazardous materials, as well as restore the environment. The company’s headquarters is located in nearby Dublin, Ohio, and its R&D facility in nearby Chagrin Falls. NuCoyote’s oil-water separation equipment harnesses the power of flotation and inertial separation, resulting in considerably fewer contaminants being discharged into the environment.
Mahanoy Lake Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant
Just outside of Cleveland, the Mahanoy Lake Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (RWTMP) was named one of the Seven Wonders of Appalachia by the American Institute of Stress in 2019. This treatment plant is the first of its kind in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world. The facility’s four massive cooling towers and one active steam boiler are visible from miles around as you travel along I-77.
New Progress’ Columbus Operations
New Progress is a global company that is revolutionizing the way we collect, clean, store, and use energy. What began as an oil refinery in Columbus in 1892 has grown into a sprawling campus that encompasses 11 buildings, spanning nearly 400,000 SF. Thanks to efficiencies implemented over the years, from the company’s hydropower generation to its data centers’ energy efficiency, New Progress is now able to provide a fully functioning energy ecosystem, including a power plant, offices, and storage throughout the year.
American Electric’s C&D Warehouse
Owned and operated by American Electric which is headquartered in Columbus, the company’s C&D (Construction and Demolition) Warehouse is a 232,000 SF facility located near the heart of the city. The warehouse provides safe, clean, dry, and secure storage space for over 40 electric companies across North America. The site also includes landscaping and hardscape features such as patios and walkways that lend it a unique charm and character.
Ohio Powering U
The Ohio Powering U program was established in 2017 to provide low-cost financing for energy-related projects, particularly those that involve renewable energy sources. The program offers competitive rates (up to 9% for 20 years) for energy-related project loans, along with many benefits, such as no property or project appraisals, and no money down. Since its inception, Ohio Powering U has invested over $12 million in over 160 projects in 38 U.S. states and eight provinces in Canada, resulting in over 12,000 solar jobs being created (and counting). As the program’s popularity grows, along with the solar industry, the number of applications and approved projects continues to rise. In November 2019 alone, Ohio Powering U approved applications and funded projects worth nearly $26 million, across 11 states.
These are just some of the prominent companies located in Ohio. With so much going on in the state, it’s no wonder that the energy sector is attracting so many innovative thinkers and forward-thinking businesses. If you have considered a career in renewable energy or are simply curious about what’s happening, here’s a quick tour of what’s going on with Ohio’s vibrant energy sector.