Leaders at the state capitol in Columbia agreed that we needed a coordinated and collaborative strategy.  South Carolina has unique resources that make the coming hydrogen age an opportunity for the state to prosper economically.  Those resources include The University of South Carolina’s Industry/University Collaborative Research Center, Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research, the coming Clyburn Transportation Research Center at South Carolina State University, the Savannah River National Laboratory with over 80 researchers working on hydrogen production and storage and the Center for Hydrogen Research that provides hydrogen laboratory research space to private industry partners.  In addition, the state’s Governor and Legislators have set priorities in preparation of a burgeoning industry.  Those priorities include: a welcoming place to work with quality of life benefits, relatively low taxes, a highly educated workforce produced from our research university programs, a blue collar workforce that is flexible and experienced in manufacturing, a pro-business government and an emphasis to move technologies from research institutions into the business sector.

 The SCHFCA recognizes that state and federal leaders cannot support the foundation of a hydrogen economy without gaining support from stakeholders on a number of levels.  Many of the key audiences involve highly active community groups and their leaders.  Our grassroots campaign to educate smaller regional groups has proven highly effective modes of communication.  For example, exhibiting at and sponsoring the SC Chapter of the American Planner’s Association annual meeting allowed the SCHFCA to reach individuals that will become key players in determining how the hydrogen economy is constructed in South Carolina. Various speaking engagements, such as with Lion’s, Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs exposes new audiences including mayors and city council members to hydrogen technologies, creates market demand, and works toward preparing the marketplace. 

 The SCHFCA represents and serves a wide range of stakeholders with the expressed purpose of coordinating and collaborating SC’s resources into a primary point of contact for all things hydrogen in South Carolina. Promoting and supporting SC’s national delegation in turn promotes the SCHFCA and its members.  Creating a diverse community of stakeholders and advocates has allowed the SCHFCA to increase knowledge of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies while also branding the organization as the one-stop-shop for all hydrogen communication in the state.