Governor: $499,942 to CWRU for wind energy research

COLUMBUS -- Ohio Governor Ted Strickland says the State Controlling Board has approved $499,942 in Ohio Third Frontier Research and Development funds for a wind energy research center proposal by Case Western Reserve University.

"Ohio universities collaborating with Ohio businesses have not only invested in and developed new products and technologies, but have made those projects commercially available around the world," Strickland said.

"Third Frontier has been a catalyst for this type of economic development in high-growth industries such as advanced and renewable energy. This award, and Case Western Reserve's ongoing efforts, will help to further Ohio's strong international leadership role in this growing industry."

Cleveland's CWRU, located in University Circle, was awarded the grant in support of CWRU's Wright Projects Program proposal for an Ohio Wind Energy Research and Commercialization Center in Cleveland.

The project will establish a wind energy research center to integrate new wind turbine facilities at CWRU with research and development and industrial expertise for the commercialization of products and systems for the wind industry.

CWRU is working on the project in collaboration with Parker Hannifin, Lubrizol Corporation, Rockwell Automation, Swiger Coil Systems, Cleveland Electric Laboratories, Phillips Group, and Wm. Sopko & Sons Company.

Strickland is currently working with the business community and legislative leaders to renew and expand the Third Frontier Program.