COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, director of the Ohio Department of Development, have made $5 million in grants available for the Ohio Wind Production and Manufacturing Incentive.

Currently in the United States, Ohio ranks second only to California in the potential for new job creation for manufacturing wind components.

“These grants by the Ohio Department of Development are a great example of what we can do across state government to invest in Ohio’s energy industry,” Strickland said.

“For our state to become a leader in next generation energy development and to earn the economic benefits that come with it we will need every department working together to fulfill the plan I put forth in my executive order.”

Last month, Strickland signed an energy executive order that directed state agencies to work with his newly appointed energy advisor to find ways to increase energy efficiency and to find ways to boost next generation energy production and distribution through investment in technology.

“The Ohio Wind Production and Manufacturing Incentives will boost Ohio’s development of next generation energy sources and create tremendous economic opportunities for Ohioans,” Fisher said.

“The Ohio Department of Development will continue to encourage economic development that supports innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives in Ohio’s energy industry.”

Wind energy is the world’s fastest-growing energy resource. Used for centuries in Europe, it is now finding increasing use in the United States and other nations.

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