Due to its reputation as a leader in alternative energy, The University of Toledo has been selected to house the University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio (UCEAO), which will coordinate collaboration among Ohio universities in the discovery, development and commercialization of energy-related technology.

A memorandum of understanding was signed this spring by Ohio’s 15 largest universities forming the alliance at the direction of Gov. Ted Strickland. Its creation underscores the importance of secure and clean energy to both the state and the nation as a whole.

UCEAO will be housed in UT’s Clean and Alternative Energy Incubation Center.

“Ohio is as good as any state in the country when it comes to research credentials in energy and environment,” said Dr. Frank Calzonetti, vice president for research development. “But, we need to work together instead of competing.”

The alliance’s board hopes to have an executive director in place at the beginning of next year. UT will also provide a support staff member.

Calzonetti says in addition to UT’s strengths in alternative energy and technology commercialization, he believes the University was selected to host the alliance because of the strong support by UT President Lloyd Jacobs, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, and other politicians.

“This designation puts UT in position to help the state tell the story that there is a lot going on in Ohio in alternative energy,” said Diane Miller, interim assistant director of the incubation. “It also makes UT the go to place in the state to learn about advanced energy.”

Other participating institutions are: the University of Cincinnati, Cleveland State University , Miami University, Ohio State University, Wright State University, University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University, University of Dayton, Ohio University, Central State University, Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, Shawnee State University, and Youngstown State University.