Good Business: Alternative fuel leaders in Rochester

The City of Rochester is rolling to the forefront of the alternative fuel industry.

“W have great potential to be a leader in this area,” said Dr. Nabil Nasr, the director of the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies at RIT.

Universities and businesses are taking aggressive approaches to stay ahead of competitors across the country when it comes to fuel cells, bio-fuel and hydrogen power. Nasr says the center has already contracted with several companies, like Delphi, which are trying to supply the fuel cell industry.

“We are very fortunate to have many resources states would love to have,” he said.

Resources include an educated work force, funding and support from the county and the state.

One of several projects RIT researchers are working on involves reducing fuel use and enhancing efficiency for military vehicles.

And it is one of more than 600 projects that have helped the center create close to 700 new jobs, retain 800 more and increase sales for business partners by 96-million dollars.

General Motor’s Fuel Cell Activities Center has boosted job growth in the area too. The center started with about a dozen employees ten years ago. Currently,  400 people work out of the Honeoye Falls facility.

And like RIT researchers, GM is jumping out front to clear the air for drivers down the road.

“The beauty of this is that this that could change the world is developed right her in Rochester, New York.”